David J.

Spinler

A Life Built on Hard Work, Family, and Love

Dave Spinler, a long-time resident and respected businessman of Owatonna, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after four courageous battles with cancer. Born in 1944, Dave lived a life defined by an unwavering work ethic, a protective strength, and a deep devotion to the people he loved.

For many years, Dave was a familiar and welcome face throughout the community as the founder, owner, and operator of Dave’s Disposal. Alongside his former wife, Irene, he built the business from the ground up through honest labor, grit, and determination. Later with his children, Scott and Kim dedicated themselves to working directly with their dad, staying by his side to run the lines for many years.

While still operating the business, life turned a beautiful new page when he attended a local singles dance and met Jean. The two fell deeply in love and were later wed, blending their lives into a wonderful partnership. With Jean by his side and his children running the lines, he eventually chose to retire, selling the business to bring his long and proud career to a meaningful close.

Following the sale, he and Jean embarked on their well-deserved retirement, relocating to the peaceful surroundings of Grasston, Minnesota. There, they enjoyed many exceptionally happy years together, creating a welcoming home, exploring the outdoors while snowmobiling, four wheeling, boating, and golf cart cruising; they also gathered a wonderful circle of dear new friends. As time went on and health needs evolved, they chose to relocate back to Owatonna, returning full circle to the community he helped build, to be closer to family and essential medical care.

He was a man who didn't chase fame or grand recognition, but rather built a legacy out of time, integrity, and love. His proudest achievement was his family, and nothing brought a brighter spark to his eyes than his grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom he loved beyond measure.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean; his loving children, Scott (and Christine) and Kim (and Jake); his wonderful step-children, Corrie (and Troy) Neumann and Dan (and Kandi) Bergevin; his cherished grandsons and step-grandchildren, Brandon (and Meghan) Spinler, Colton (and Bri) Spinler, Mitchell and Karissa Neumann, and Ali and Megan Bergevin; great grandchildren, Jack and Sean; and a community of extended family whose lives were made richer by his presence. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jim Spinler.

Please join us to celebrate and honor the life of Dave with a memorial service at 2 PM on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna. A visitation will be held at 1 PM until the time of service. A light luncheon will take place following the service.

In honor of their deep devotion, interment will be held privately by Jean’s heart, to rest eternally with her body upon her eventual passing.