David James Javens

David Javens, age 88, of Cottonwood, Minnesota, died on Saturday, August 22, 2020, at Prairie Home Fieldcrest in Cottonwood. A private family funeral service will take place on Thursday, August 27, 2020, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. Interment will follow at the Cottonwood City Cemetery. A walk-thru visitation, open to the public, will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall.

David James Javens was born to Charles “Lester” and Mary (Christensen) Javens on February 24, 1932, in Marshall, Minnesota. He and his family lived and farmed at the family farm just south of Cottonwood, however, they moved around a few times during David’s childhood. He attended country school until grade 6 and was then a 1950 Cottonwood High School Graduate. After High School, David joined the United States Navy and served during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1955. After returning home, David continued the family legacy of farming the home place.

On November 8, 1952, at St. Lucas Church in rural Cottonwood, David was united in marriage to Shirley Hoff. To this union, four children were born: Marty, Cris, Lori, and Larry. Together, David and Shirley lived and raised their family on the family farm until their move into Cottonwood in 2015.

David was a hard worker and taught his kids to do the same. He loved milking the cows, and literally worked from sunup to sundown most days. He could fix about anything and could often be found visiting with friends and neighbors. His other enjoyments in life included attending farm auctions and pulling his kids skiing on School Grove Lake.

Faith was of great importance to David as was his family and his country. He was baptized at Swan Lake church in rural Cottonwood. He was a member of the Cottonwood Presbyterian Church until the church closed, he then became a member at Ashford Presbyterian Church in Milroy. He was known to rarely miss church. David was a member of the Cottonwood American Legion and often served on the Drill Squad. He also served on the Lyon County Soil and Water Conservation Board, Cottonwood School Board, Stanley Township Board, and Cottonwood Presbyterian Church Board.

David James Javens passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2020, in Cottonwood, Minnesota at the age of 88 years, 5 months, and 29 days. Blessed be his memory.

David is survived by his wife of 67 years, Shirley of Cottonwood; children, Marty (Rita) Javens of Cottonwood, Cris (Alan) Gilb of Marshall, Lori (Gregg) Soupir of New London, Larry (Kim) Javens of Green Bay, WI; 14 grandchildren, Jeramiah (Susan), Damian (Mally), Samantha, Scooter (Shelby), Sasha, Amy (Danny), Andy (Kelly), Trevor (Kirby), Tricia (Derek), Tara (Aury), Tanner, Tony (Jane), Lisa (Todd), Jake (Kelly); 22 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Jo (Ed) Horsmann of Grand Rapids, Emma Jean (Alan) Hendrix of Kirkland, WA; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Mary Javens; three grandchildren, Stephanie, Jesse, and Hunter Javens; brother, Robert Javens; and sister-in-law, Pat Javens.