David R. Stern, 72, of Owatonna, died peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Benedictine Living Community.

He was born June 27, 1953, in Rapid City, SD, the son of Gerald and Mildred (Hamel) Stern. David was a 1972 graduate of Austin High School, Austin, MN. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1972 to 1976, in Guam, the Philippines and Okinawa, primarily on the USS Halsey. He trained and received a certificate as a Boilermaker Technician and was employed at the Owatonna Hospital for over 20 years.

David was united in marriage to Anita Negre on January 8, 2014, in Honolulu, HI. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Faribault. He enjoyed fishing, travelling, playing guitar, singing Karaoke, and “spoiling Mom”.

David is survived by his wife, Anita; step-son, Eric (Jenny) Marty of Savage; step-daughters, Cathy Piepho of St. Paul, Michelle (Corey Lessard) Marty of Eden Prairie, and Kim (Dave) Goblirsch of Owatonna; four grandchildren; sisters, Kathy (Dave) Jensen of Owatonna, Debbie Stern of Woodbury, Cindy Huff of Waseca, and Lisa Strickland of Austin; brother, Mike Stern of St. Paul; also nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Joshua; sister, Linda; former wife, Belinda; and nephew, David Huff.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM, Friday, June 19, 2026, at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna. Visitation will be 4-7 PM, Thursday at Michaelson Funeral Home and continues for one hour prior to the service on Friday. Interment with military honors will be in St. John Cemetery in Owatonna.