David L. Antonson

January 8, 1932 - February 16, 2019

David Lloyd Antonson, a resident of North Fort Myers, FL since 2007, passed away Saturday, February 16, 2019 in Fort Myers, FL. He was 87 years old and formerly of West Palm Beach, FL and St. Paul, MN. David was born January 8, 1932 in St. Paul, MN to Martin and Ruth Louise (Splittstoser) Antonson, now deceased.

David attended Sibley Grade School and Harding High School in St. Paul, Minnesota. He met “the love of his life,” Donna Mae Reichow, in the Walther League at Our Saviors Church. Donna was 14 and David was 16. David had his first car at the time, a blue 1941 Pontiac Sedan and he was a Sr. in High School,graduating in 1949.

David’s first jobs during high school included stocking shelves at Hafner’s Grocery at Reaney and Frank, and then the upscale Hafner’s at Minnehaha and Frank. He also worked at the Dry Cleaners on East 7th, operating the steam cleaner and washing clothes.

After graduating, David’s life-long career began at Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, at Bldg #2 on Fauquier and 7th St., as a Lab Tech. His boss at the time was a Capt. in the Air Nat. Guard who “encouraged” David to join the organization. David was able to talk a couple of his buddies into joining with him at the Air National Guard Base at Holman Field. The Korean War began at this time and David was activated. Luckily, he was able to stay in Minnesota. Their Squadron consisted of 3 P-51 Mustangs, who remained on high alert for Russian invaders from the north. David was assigned as a teletype repairman and a night telephone operator. Eventually, he was transferred from Holman to Wold Chamberlain Field. He was deactivated after an enlistment of 4 yrs.

Donna and David were married on a snowy day at Our Saviors Church in St. Paul, MN on Nov. 27, 1954. After this, David moved to the Benz building on Mississippi St. doing lab work for 3M, performing distillations and evaluating raw materials. Dave was attending the U of M, taking both daytime and night school courses in the pursuit of his Engineering Degree.

In 1955, his first son Doug was born. Arrangements were made to purchase the duplex at 226 Bates in 1957. Dave and Donna rented out the upstairs unit and they lived on the main floor. In 1958, their second son Dale was born. A one bedroom duplex with 2 kids meant a new place to live was required and they purchased a newly constructed home in the suburb of Woodbury in 1959. The Third Street bridge repair in downtown St. Paul in 1961 provided free bricks for their double wide driveway. The families new home had a big yard, room for a vegetable garden, and neighbors with lots of kids for their growing family. In 1961, their third son Devin was born. David got his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Minnesota in 1967 in Mechanical Engineering.

During his 38 year career with Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, he acquired 5 patents in his name, including a patent in thermal electric generators. His career included mechanical drafting and machine design.

In the Decorative Products Division, he helped create machines for the application of decals on wheel and auto bodies. His biggest contribution was Scotch Tint window film. David was very technically minded and was always trying to figure out a better way to do things. He retired from 3M in 1993.

Of all David’s accomplishments, he treasured most his 64 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Donna. His limitless love and devotion remain a comfort to her. Dave is also survived by his two loving sons, Dale Antonson (Lyndra) of MN, and Devin Antonson of GA, and his dear sister in law, Celia Antonson of Avon Park, FL. He was truly belssed with his grandchildren Justin (Heather) Antonson, Jason (Shannon) Antonson, Eric (Desiree) Antonson, Nic (Michelle) Antonson, M Doucet, Sara Antonson, Dan (Jamie) Antonson, and Phil Antonson. He will also be remembered by his great grandchildren: Alexandria Antonson, Erin Antonson, Arianna Antonson, Brenna Antonson, Kye Antonson, Katarina Antonson, Keinwen Antonson, Jessie Antonson, Carson Antonson and Kelsey Antonson, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

David was preceded in death by his son Douglas Antonson and his brother Donald Antonson.

Memorial Services will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 2410 Stillwater Rd. E., Maplewood, MN 55119. A luncheon willfollow the service.

Memorial Contributions in memory of David Lloyd Antonson are suggested to theAlzheimer’s Association :Alzheimers Foundation of America, 322 8th Ave., 7th Floor, NY, NY 10001.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, has been entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Dale Antonson Feb 24, 2019 at 7:00 pm

    I’m going to miss seeing and being with you Dad. You’ve been around, giving me encouragement and praise throughout my life. Your inventive spirit was an inspiration to me. Like the book you often referred to, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, you were seized by a passion, pushed yourself and learned and did everything you could. You will always have a very Special Place in my Heart and Memory, my Big Papa.

Leave a Comment