David Usgaard

David Christopher Usgaard passed away April 5, 2020 in hospice care at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, surrounded by his family. Joint Memorial Services for Amy and Dave will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Decorah Lutheran Church with Rev. Peter Kowitz officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, October 15 at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah, and on Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m., one hour before the service, at Decorah Lutheran Church. David loved the students at Decorah High School as well as the ‘lunch ladies.’ Because of this, the family wishes to direct memorials to the Decorah Community School District lunch program in an effort to assist families with meal balances. Contributions/memorials may be directed to Decorah Nutrition Services, c/o Kristi Ruffman, 100 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, IA 52101. David was born in Independence, Iowa on May 5, 1960, to Robert and Beth Usgaard. In 1970 the Usgaard family moved to Decorah, where David graduated from Decorah High School in 1978, excelling in athletics and music. After high school, David attended Luther College and graduated in 1982. David began working at his father’s business, Bob’s Standard, beginning in junior high school and continued working there after college. He later bought the business from his father in 2004, and owned and operated Bob’s Standard until closing the business in March 2016. David worked for the Decorah Community School system up until his death. David married Amy Leland April 19, 1986. They were married for 34 years and had three sons; Curtis, Daniel and Douglass. David spent 25 years as a football official, officiating many high school and junior high football games. He was a member of Decorah Lutheran Church where he had served on church council and as the congregation president. David was an excellent chef and enjoyed cooking for family and friends. He delighted in canoeing and fishing the Upper Iowa River, Boundary Waters and Quetico Provential Parks. A cabin on Lake Lida near Pelican Rapids, MN held a special place in his heart, even when the walleyes were not biting. For all his life, David loved to sing and listen to music. He loved the company of friends and family and was a kind-hearted soul. We will miss him. David is survived by his wife, Amy; his sons: Curtis of Ames, Daniel (Emma) of La Crosse, Wis. and Douglass of Decorah. He also is survived by his brothers: James (Becky Knutson) Urbandale, Iowa, Thomas (Susan), Morton, Illinois, Robert (Diane Granfors), Anchorage, Alaska; and sister, Susan (Brent Simi), Blaine, Minnesota.