David Tvedten

David (Dave) James Tvedten, age 61, of Blue Earth, passed away at his home on January 13, 2015 surrounded by his family. Dave was born in Blue Earth to Ernest and Elda (Miller) Tvedten on May 23rd, 1953 and was confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church in Pilot Grove. He graduated from Elmore High School in 1971, and then attended Rochester Community College, later graduating from Albert Lea Vo-Tech with an electrical construction degree. He worked several years for local electricians before establishing Tvedten Electric with his brother, Wayne, where he remained employed until his passing. On June 19, 1976, Dave married the love of his life, Diane Abraham, and remained faithfully married until his death. This union was blessed with two daughters, Danielle Elg and Danica Schmidt. He was further blessed with the birth of his grandchildren, Zoey, Jacob, and Sophia who became the center of his being. He loved reading them books, telling them stories, and giving them rides on his "green tractor." Dave was a member of St John''s Lutheran Church of Elmore and served on various committees, including 27 years on the Elmore Volunteer Fire Department, teaching gun safety for the youth for 24 years, and volunteering on the Elmore Rescue Squad. When not spending time with his family, his other hobbies and interests included prairie dog shooting, hunting, camping, four wheeling, and woodworking. He was especially proud of his wood working shop that he was in the process of finishing.Those who knew Dave were aware of his sincere kindness to all he met. He will always be remembered for his gentle demeanor, along with being a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. David is survived by his wife, Diane, children, Danielle (Trever) Elg of Wells, MN, and Danica (Nate) Schmidt, of Mankato; grandchildren, Zoey Elg, and Jacob and Sophia Schmidt; brothers, Wayne (Tamy) Tvedten of Blue Earth and Daniel Tvedten (Nancy) of Rhinelander, Wisconsin; and sister Julie Russell (John) of Newport, North Carolina; along with nephews, nieces, and many, many friends. David was preceded in death by his parents.Visitation will be at Patton Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 400 E. 14th Street, Blue Earth, from 4-7pm on Friday, January 16, and one hour prior to services at the church. Funeral Services will be on Saturday, January 17, at 10:30, St. John''s Lutheran Church, Elmore.Web tributes may be left at www.pattonfh.com