David Louis McLaughlin

David Louis McLaughlin, age 93, of Rusk Township, Burnett County Wisconsin and McAllen, Texas, died surrounded by his wife, Carolyn, cat, Shadow, and family members on Monday, January 20, 2025, at his winter home in McAllen.

He was born on February 7, 1931, to Glynn and Anne (Buggy) McLaughlin in Fairmont, Minnesota where he was raised and graduated from high school in 1949. He attended Mankato State Teachers College graduating in 1953 with a BS in Mathematics and Science. He was then drafted by the US Army, February 17th, 1954 and served in Korea as a Troop Information Specialist reaching the rank of Private-2nd class, he was honorably discharged from the US Army, December 6th, 1955.

He married June P. Carlson on August 30, 1958. They resided in Minneapolis, Minnesota where they raised their three children.  He participated in and coached his children in their sports activities, as well as supported all of their academic endeavors.

During his lifetime David worked for a variety of employers including time at Joe Girard Painting in Fairmont, teaching mathematics and computer science at the University of Minnesota extension program, and a 30-year long career at Northern States Power Company in Minneapolis, working as Manager in the Systems Engineering department. David retired from NSP in January of 1988 and he and June shared their time between Spooner, Wisconsin and McAllen, Texas.

His interests included golf, pool, playing cards, woodworking, and travel.  June died unexpectedly in 2001. November 12, 2005, David married Carolyn Roller. They enjoyed the past 19 years together, golfing, playing pool, dancing, and traveling, as well as hosting and visiting family members.

David is survived by his wife, Carolyn, children Ruth, Mark (Kirsten), Mary (Arnel), grandchildren Adam, Alex (Alyssa), Emily, Elena, Scott, great grandchild Ava, sister Madelyn (Marko), many nieces and nephews, and all of Carolyn’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Interment and Celebration of Life will take place at 11:00 am, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Calvary Cemetery, in Spooner with Fr. Philip Juza officiating, with a Gathering to follow at Round Man Brewing on main street in Spooner, from Noon until 2:00 pm on Saturday.

Memorials to Martin County Historical Society, 304 E Blue Earth Ave, Fairmont, MN 56031 are preferred.

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