November 4, 1949 – April 8, 2018

David Arlyn Downer, age 68, of Spooner, WI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 8, 2018, surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer.

David was born on November 4, 1949 in Park Rapids, Minnesota to Ruby (Higgs) and Fay Downer. He grew up in north-central Minnesota.

On April 21, 1966, David was united in marriage to Cynthia (Anderson). Together they raised their 5 children moving from Minnesota to northwestern Wisconsin in November 1985.

David attended Wadena Minnesota Technical School in 1969, graduating with a degree as a Civil Engineering Tech, after which David and Cynthia moved to St. Cloud, MN where he worked in drafting. He also drove semi truck and logging truck for several years; was employed as an automotive mechanic at Bents Motors in Comstock, WI; and in 1992 took a position with Bosch Manufacturing in Shell Lake, WI where he was employed for 21 until he retired in 2013.

David was a dedicated father and grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them to ride bike and fix things.

David is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cynthia; son Blaine (Kelli), of Bruce, WI; son David, Jr. (Elaine), of Vermilion, Alberta, Canada; daughter Joy (Mike), of Barron, WI; son Jason (Becky) of Verndale, MN; daughter Jerusha (Ben), of Spooner, WI; his grandchildren: Samantha, Mara, Bella, David III, SaVannah, Ensign, OceAnne, Zefram, Trygve, ChriStella, Ruth, Ilija, Llewe, Cordell, Opal, Charmaine, Patrick, Emily, Ruby, Sam, Uriah, Ilias, Grace, Brady, Analise, Rallye, and Kenneth; and his great-grandchildren: Delilah, David IV, and Bentlee. He is also survived by sisters RuthAnne and Alice and brothers Lyle (Sheila) and Blaine (Violet).

David was preceded in death by his parents; sister Faye Lubahn, and brothers Kenneth and DeWitt Downer.

David was also a dedicated member of his church community at Cornerstone Church in Spooner, WI, serving as an elder in previous years.

A celebration of life will be held on April 20, 2018 at Cornerstone Church for David.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm and the Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm with a meal following the service.

Condolences may be shared with David's family at bratley-nelsonchapels.com. 

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Last Update: Dec 16, 2018 5:53 pm CST