David "Dave" Herman Fiedler

David Herman Fiedler, age 75, of Perham, Minnesota, passed away on March 11, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Perham (Corliss Township). A public visitation will be held the evening prior, on Thursday, March 19, from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the church. An additional hour of visitation will take place one hour prior to the service on Friday. Following the service, in keeping with David and Diane’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and burial of cremated remains will take place at a later date.

David Herman Fiedler was born on December 9, 1950, in Perham, Minnesota, to Henry and Ella (Steeke) Fiedler. He was baptized on December 16, 1951, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Perham (Corliss). During his early schooling, David attended pastoral school for his 8th and 9th grade years before returning to the Perham area, where he graduated from Perham High School with the Class of 1968.

During a youth group field trip with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Evergreen to a Minnesota Twins baseball game on June 17, 1966, David met the love of his life, Diane, when they were both just 15 years old. David was united in marriage to Diane Katherine Wacker on May 22, 1971, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Evergreen near Frazee, Minnesota. Together they were blessed with three sons: Jeremiah, Greg, and Jeff.

Shortly before graduating, David enlisted in the United States Navy on March 10, 1969. He faithfully served his country until January 26, 1973. During his years of service, David was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal (First Award).

Following David’s return from the Navy, he and Diane established their life on the family farm, where they farmed together for most of their lives. David was a dedicated dairy farmer who took great pride in his work and the life they built together. Even after retiring from farming, David was not one to sit still. He went on to work at Tuffy’s as a forklift operator and later at Kit Masters, where he worked as a maintenance line worker responsible for maintaining the assembly line that built and assembled fan clutches.

David loved farming and treasured time spent with his family. He enjoyed baseball, hunting whitetail deer, and watching classic Western films, with John Wayne among his favorites. Faith was an important part of David and Diane’s life together. David was known for his positive outlook on life and was often heard quoting, “Don’t worry, be happy.” He had a wonderful sense of humor and could quickly rattle off countless one liners that brought laughter to those around him.

David was a patient teacher to his boys and took great pride in passing along the strong work ethic and family values that guided his own life. He taught them the importance of listening, working hard, and caring deeply for family. David also had a fondness for Case tractors and was known to admire the red and yellow 930 Case models.

Deeply loved, David’s passing will be mourned by his wife of 54 years, Diane; his sons, Greg (Denise) Fiedler and Jeff (Chantel) Fiedler both of Perham; his grandchildren, Kaitlyn Lane, Owen, Bailey, Lily, and Liam Fiedler; his siblings, Judy Drewes and Edy Amundson; along with many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ella; his son, Jeremiah; and his sisters, Rosella, Elaine, and Delores.

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