https://www.youtube.com/c/GRUMC

David's memorial service will be livestreamed; go to the United Methodist Church's YouTube channel: David's memorial service will be livestreamed; go to the United Methodist Church's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/GRUMC

David N. Hutchins

David N. Hutchins passed away on July 13, 2026 at Maple Woods Assisted Living in Cohasset, Minnesota with family by his side.  He was 95 years old.

David was born January 15, 1931 to John N. and Ina M. (Long) Hutchins in Spragueville, Iowa.  He was the youngest of five children.  David knew loss and hardship, losing his father at age 12 and growing up during the Great Depression.  He played as a child on the winding banks of the Maquoketa River and excelled at athletics.  These talents after graduating from high school in Newton, Iowa placed him on a path to Drake University in Des Moines where he lettered in three sports.

He served his country honorably in the Korean War in the Artillery Battalion and as a personal aide and jeep driver for a 2 Star General.  After discharge, he returned to Iowa graduating from Drake in 1955 with a degree in Physical Education.

He was united in marriage to Marilyn J. Schnug, May 1, 1955.  They had four children, Lori, Larry, Steven, and Eric. They made their home in the communities of Traer and Decorah, Iowa and Luverne, Minnesota where David coached and taught high school Physical Education.

In 1967, they settled in Bemidji, Minnesota where he spent 14 years at Bemidji State University as head basketball coach and a member of the faculty.  Relationships built with his students and athletes remained strong until his death.  An annual golf outing with a group of his ball players meant a lot to him.

In 1981, Dave and Marilyn purchased the Grand Rapids Dairy Queen and operated it until retirement in 1997.  He was very proud of owning the business.

David was active in Bemidji and Grand Rapids United Methodist Churches where he ushered, was a choir member and served on the Staff Parish Relations Committee.

As a sportsman, he hunted, fished, harvested wild rice, and enjoyed numerous elk hunts to Colorado.  He shared many days afield with his children, teaching them to love and respect nature.  David hunted grouse with his Brittany Spaniel, Shane and became "Grandpa" to many of his children's dogs.

He enjoyed painting and wood carving as a self-taught artist, creating many handcrafted works of art cherished by his family and friends.

David and Marilyn were married 71 years.  Their retirement allowed them extensive travel to southern states and overseas.

He experienced a long diverse, productive life, enriching the lives of others.  He was a devoted husband, a patient and affectionate father, loving grandfather and great grandfather.  Being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren celebrating the 4th of July, just days before his death will be treasured by everyone. David also remained connected to former athletes and students, serving as a mentor to many of them.

Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers; and one sister.

Dave is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughter, Lori Hutchins; sons, Larry (Shelley) Hutchins, Steven (Kari) Hutchins, and Eric (Tessy) Hutchins; three grandchildren, Katie Hutchins, Molly (Clay) DeNicola, and Abbey Hutchins and fiancé, Jacob Travis; great grandchildren, Emilia, Louis, Eloisa, and Luciano; nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 1, 2026 at the United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids with a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM until the time of the service. David's memorial service will be livestreamed; go to the United Methodist Church's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/GRUMC

Memorials are preferred to United Methodist Church of Grand Rapids or to the Hutchins family for a memorial bench at the Sugarbrook Golf Course.

LIVESTREAM LINK    https://www.youtube.com/c/GRUMC