David Jarvi

David Jarvi, 76, formerly of Alexandria, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at the Pioneer Cottages in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

David Mitchell (Dave) Jarvi was born on March 11, 1947 in Two Harbors, Minnesota to Roy and Clarice (Lingren) Jarvi.  He moved to Duluth in 1949.  In 1956, David and his siblings, Steven and Susan moved with their parents to Thief River Falls, Minnesota.  In 1962, Alexandria, Minnesota became home for the Jarvi family.

David graduated from Jefferson High School in 1965 and went on to the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities.  David worked on the ore boats in Duluth for a while and then decided sea life was not for him.  He spent most of his working years with the Highway Department and construction companies in the Alexandria area.  In retirement, he worked at a man’s favorite store, Menards.

Lake Superior and Duluth and Two Harbors were his favorite places.  As a child, David spent a lot of time at his grandparent’s farm in the Clover Valley area, just outside of Two Harbors.  His last trip was to Duluth where he loved watching the boats come in under the Aerial Bridge.

David was an avid reader, spending hours researching his Finnish heritage.  He was the family historian for the Jarvi side of the family.  He also enjoyed fishing on the many lakes in Alexandria, going to flea markets, and collecting records.

David was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Steve; uncles David Anderson and Ray Lingren; his aunt Joan Lingren; and cousin Susie Ram.

He is survived by his sister Susan (Barry) Froiland, Thief River Falls; his nephews, Reid Froiland, Thief River Falls, Taylor Froiland, Chandler, Arizona, and Dane Froiland, Fergus Falls; his niece Marah Froiland, Thief River Falls; his aunt, Mary Lou Anderson; and three cousins and their families.

A service to celebrate David’s life will be held this summer.