David W. Von Guten

David W. Von Guten, age 77, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away on December 11, 2024. 

A Christian Funeral will be held at 11:00 AM with a time of gathering from 9:30 - 10:45 AM on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, 3611 N Berens Rd NW, Prior Lake, MN 55379. Pastor Laila Barr will preside. Live Streaming will be available at the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/live/_sEDaBsG8t4

David William Von Guten was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 25, 1947, to Edna-May and E. Floyd Von Guten. The family lived in various suburbs throughout the Chicago area with Butterfield, Illinois as their primary location. David graduated from Lake Park High School in Medina, Illinois in 1965. While in high school he was on the football, wrestling and track teams. 

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1966 and was honorably discharged from the Navy after four years of service as a Communications Technician. Upon returning home to Illinois, his family moved to Hixton, Wisconsin. David found work as an apprentice surveyor in Jackson County, Wisconsin. 

David was engaged to Karen Johnson at Thanksgiving 1972. The couple was married on July 21, 1973, at Upper Pigeon Creek Lutheran Church in Hixton, Wisconsin. The couple enjoyed biking, hiking, water activities, listening to music and hanging out with friends and family. The couple also enjoyed vacationing in beautiful Bayfield, Wisconsin for over 50 years. David had a love of running and he enjoyed running year-round for over 30 years. 

David enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire in September 1973. He graduated in May 1977 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Philosophy. He attended graduate school at the University of Minnesota, Mankato, receiving his master’s degree in Community Counseling Psychology in May 1979. After graduate school David accepted a position in Rock Springs, Wyoming as a Psychological Technician. In August 1979, David, Karen and their dog Eric moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming. While living in Rock Springs the couple met other couples that became life-long friends. 

In August 1986, David, Karen and their children moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota to be closer to family and friends. Upon moving to Minnesota, David was certified as a master’s level Social Worker and was employed by the school district in Albert Lea for five years. With a desire to be closer to “the cities,” in August of 1991, David accepted a School Social Worker position with Shakopee Public Schools. The family moved to a nearby city, Prior Lake, Minnesota. David was employed by Shakopee Public Schools until his retirement in 2011. He thoroughly enjoyed his position and met many wonderful people during his 32 years in the field of education.

David was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in January of 2012. He lived with the disease for nearly 13 years, until complications of the disease caused a severe health condition. David passed away on December 11, 2024, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. David lived his life with humility and displayed his faith in Jesus Christ by loving God and neighbors as himself. He was always accepting of everyone.

David is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Karen Von Guten; sister, Sharon Lawton; daughter, Alyssa (Ken) Ondich; son, Nathan David Von Guten; grandchildren Sam, Brekken, Kailea and Athena; ‘like a brother’ David Larson; siblings-in-law, Nancy (Daryl) Skaar, Betty (Mike) Frederick, Donna (Bill) Beranek, Ellen (Rod) Gearing, and Todd (Carrie) Johnson; godchildren, Kim Lien, John Horn, Kristen Larson, Jennifer Mahar; beloved dog, Daisy Mae; and many loving nieces, nephews, family and friends. 

Donations can be directed to the family for distribution in honor of David.