David Wallace
May 8, 1948 ~ May 2, 2011
David A. Wallace, 62, Fargo passed away Monday, May 2 at Sanford Medical Center after a 2 year battle with an extremely aggressive form of Leukemia & Lymphoma.
Dave was born in Norfolk, VA on May 8, 1948 to Gersen and Marjorie Wallace. He graduated from Fargo Central in 1966 and Minnesota State University in 1972 with a B.A. in Art. Dave married Cheryl Trondset on August 14, 1972 in Fargo. In 1974, they moved to Vancouver, British Columbia to pursue his dream of being a "hippie" potter. While living in Vancouver their son Abraham was born in 1975.
In 1980 they returned to Fargo where Dave started his career as a freelance illustrator. He then started his 20 year career at Moorhead State University as the University Publications Art Director. He retired in June of 2010.
Dave married Ginger Croaker on April 8, 2010. Together they took on Dave's illness with determination and faith that Dave would beat the odds.
Dave was a talented artist and an avid golfer. He planned to spend his retirement making pots in his studio and playing golf. His greatest source of pride was his son Abe. He wanted to play one more round of golf this week with Abe. He was a gentle soul who never complained about his situation. He always said "It is what it is."
Left to celebrate his life and cherish his memory are his wife, Ginger, his son Abraham (Lanae) and his granddaughter Grace, his sister Lisa Scheet and brother, Michael (Barb) Wallace, his step-son, Patrick Scott, step-daughter, Kellie Carlson, nieces, Marrah, Rachel and Julianna, nephew, Cory, step-grandsons Connor, Cody, and Jake, and Dave and Gingers "kids" Molly and Harley.
David was preceded in death by his parents.
Dave's family would like to thank Dr. Preston Steen and the team at Roger Maris Cancer Center for trying so hard to save him and for their support once he made the decision to stop fighting.
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Fargo ND
I remember the day Dave first started school at Agassiz Elementary. We became close friend in grade school and always remained friends.. Rest in Peace Dave, and we will meet again.
Bismarck ND
We went to school and college together. I knew him best at MSU in art. We graduated about the same time. He was a “good guy, I have always thought very highly of him.
Rochester MN
Uncle Dave was my uncle by love not by blood. My love for him didn’t die when his marriage to my aunt ended. I often times remember his teasing smile and free spirited way that he joked with me as a young girl and a teenager. I wish him peace and send my love to you, Abe and the family that became your new extended family. I’m sure your dad was as warm and gracious to them as he was to the Throndset family.
David and I and our children send you our sympathy and love as you say goodbye today and wish we could be there with you.
Love, Stacy
Fargo ND
How do you sum up a relationship with a friend that lasted for 50 years? Dave and I first met back in junior high and we played football together at Fargo Central High (and you have to be over 60 years old to say that). I envied Dave when he took our Homecoming Queen, Gloria Sandvik to the Homecoming dance (and he in a cast, being a wounded warrior from the game that day). We were friends seemingly forever. One memorable moment among many was when Dave came to Spearfish SD,, in the Black Hills, in the summer of 1969 to visit Linc Huseby (alas, also gone) and me and two of my brothers who were working during the day and playing hard at night, often camping in the heart of the Hills in that beautiful summer out of time. We stayed in touch over the years and I admired his artistry as much as his zest for life and his exemplary “let it be” demeanor. Rest in peace old friend and Shalom.
Arkadelphia ARDavid (Uncle Dave) was a wonderful, hilarious, compassionate and passionate person whose spirit filled any space he was in. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.
Fargo ND
Dave’s talent, witt and smile will live on.
He attended our 40th Fargo Central class reunion and I’m certain he will be at our 50th in spirit.
We’ll miss you my friend.
Dear Uncle Dave and family. Sorry you had to leave us. I will always appreciate your lightheartedness. For your family, I am sorry and will try to get in touch soon.
Nacogdoches TexasThe Dave Wallace Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences with our loss. Dave was a classmate, both at Central and MSUM and a wonderful friend. He had a sense of humor, talent and compassion unmatched by any of my classmates. May all of us who knew him gain comfort in the joy and happiness he brought us. We are ALL better for the time we had with him. May he rest in peace. May God bless and comfort the family.
Lyle T
Fargo Central 1966
MSUM 1970
Texas
Fargo ND
Dave will be missed. He was a good friend,kind, fun, he loved to laugh. His sense of humor was one of a kind. He was a good buddy and a talented man.
moorhead mnTogether, Dave and I have fought this awful disease called cancer. Never once did I hear him complain or feel sorry for himself. To me, he was a great source of strength and inspiration. As I continue to fight my own battle, I will always think of David, his strength and, above all, his smile and laughter throughout even the most difficult times of this ordeal.
Fargo ND
We are so very sorry to hear about Dave’s death. We remember when our kids played on the same teams – our son Matt and Abe.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Abe and all the family.
fargo ndOur deepest sympathy to the family of cousin David.
Moorhead MN
Abe,
Sorry I cannot make any of the services for your Dad.
I first meet “Wally” when he spent a year teaching in West Fargo. We were in the same building. I enjoyed meeting him from time to time as the years went by. A delight every time we would meet.
A good man has gone and I am sorry for your loss. I hope you find the support you need and that the memories will bring you joy.
Sincerely,
Larry Seljevold
Fargo ND
Dear Abe & family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. It is so hard to say good-bye, we pray your memories will provide you some comfort. We are blessed to have been able to spend time with you and Dave during those baseball games and other high school events. Hugs,
Fargo North Dakota
Dave was an artist but one heck of a tough guy on the football field. He was a good friend during the time I knew him years ago in high school. Not a phony bone in his body and his great sense of humor made it easy for him to make friends. After football practise, at the beginning of the season , he saved my butt from an upper classman who was a known bully who liked to pick on the younger guys. After a confrontation with Dave this guy backed off and treated me and all the younger classmen with a lot more respect. Mike, I know how hard this must be for you and the rest of the family. My mother always said “be one of the top 10%”! Dave made it there before anyone else I knew in my circle of friends.
Sincere condolences to Dave’s family on his passing. Whenever I would stop by the Publications office at MSUM, I would almost always see Dave working busily in his office. He, and his sense of humor, will be missed.
Crosby ND
For me, Dave was a quiet but irresistible spirit. With a sly smile, and a deep attention to the conversation at hand, I always walked away from our visits feeling he was intensely interested in me,
I knew him through his gym-rat friends, through MSU associates, and bike friends. Over the years, I filled in friends from his college (Roberts Street) days, Abe’s schoolmates, and their parents. As was shown at the HoDo event, Dave cast his love over a wide area.
I hope you, his survivors, feel what we wish to give to you, having first received from Dave.
Love is one thing that endures.
Moorhead MN
Dave was such a gentle, unassuming gentleman that will missed by the many that knew him. I will be remember him with great respect for his genuine kindness, and his courageous and positive spirit. Rest in peace, Dave.
Valley City ND
Cheryl, Abe, Mike and families
Just to let you know that I am thinking of you today.
Melody
Abe, Lanae & Grace,
Your entire BN family will be thinking of you this week. Our thoughts & prayers are with you guys.
MH
St Louis Park MN
I am so sorry for your loss. Dave was a dear man and good friend, he will be missed.
Abe, Lanae, and Grace,
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim, Hailey and Peyton
Papillion NEDavid’s humor and wisdom will reside in the lives of those he touched.
Sincere condolences to Cheryl and all of Dave’s family.
Fargo ND
Dave was a top notch professional. He was terrific at mentoring the students who worked with him. He was a fun and good humored guy whose loss will sadden the many people who liked him and remember him fondly.
We love you, Uncle Dave, funniest of all uncles.
White Bear Lake MN
Abe, Lanae and Grace,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
We love you!
Shannon, Lucy and John
Shanahan
Abe, I met and camped with your Dad in Sturgis, SD during the rally. I’m glad to say that I was fortunate enough to know him and share some time with him.
Fluge
Fargo ND
It’s hard to write about such a dear friend. Having had Dave as part of my life has been a gift. The stories I tell (and I’ve told them in front of him many times too) brought tears of laughter to many. He had an incredible zest for life and enjoyed nearly every day. Thank you Dave for being part of the lives of so any people. Although you will be missed, your influence and contributions, jokes and sense of humor with live on for many years to come