David B Vejtasa

David Bradley Vejtasa, 68, of Ely, Minnesota, lost his battle with cancer on May 31, 2016 in his home being cared for by his loving wife Rosemarie.
David was the second of three children of the late Stanley and Alice Vejtasa. Born November 8, 1947, David grew up in Henning, Floodwood and Mt. Iron, Minnesota. 
Dave graduated from Mt. Iron High School in 1965. He played tackle in football at Mt. Iron, which was undefeated in his senior year. He was an avid sports fan of hockey and football.
David attended Virginia Junior College and with the Vietnam War on, he decided to join the Marines. He was a natural mechanic and built modified drag racing cars. He ran his modified 1955 Chevy in the Coon Rapids drag races near Minneapolis.
David took a position with Mike Motors of Ely where he trained to do body work and eventually became manager and owner of the body shop. Dave ran a most successful business until he retired in 2007. He was known as a very honest businessman and considerate employer.
One of David’s true passions was working with animals, and in the late 1960s he bought 160 acres of undeveloped land hear Ely. He raised Hereford cows and after 38 years he had perfected a superior “Red Angus” breed.
He also enjoyed working with heavy machinery and cleared and restored his 160 acres to provide habitat for wildlife including deer, wild geese, and Sandhill cranes. He built his own house and shop plus many auxiliary buildings.
David has three sons from a previous marriage and as a single parent for ten years he was very involved in his children’s activities. He coached hockey and also participated in the Blue Line Club.
Dave loved to farm, hunt, trap and to fish with his sons, friends and extended Colorado families. His greatest joy was the time spent with his grandchildren.
Dave is survived by his wife Rosemarie (Mobilia) Vejtasa of 15 years, his sons Todd (Kayla), Scott (Kristen), and Joe; grandchildren Vance and Kara; his brother Stanley (Kathy); sister Doreen (Bob) Berrini; nieces Debbie and Sara; nephew Brian, and great nieces and nephews. In addition his extended Nystrom families from Colorado and Kauppi families from Virginia, Minnesota, all who called him friend, and his furry friend Barley. He was preceded in death by his mother Alice, father Stan, niece Carmen and nephew Steve. 
Dave was known as a generous man with a huge loving heart. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, WSA Fraternal Life, and Minnesota Forest Zone Trappers Association.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 11, at the Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Katie Slack officiating. Friends may gather one hour prior to service at the church.
Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
 

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