David DeMars

David Theodore DeMars of Big Cormorant Lake passed away at age 77, peacefully in his sleep, on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at his home.

Dave was born on October 7, 1941 to Archie and Ruth (Nelson) DeMars in Westhope, N.D. He graduated from Westhope High School as President of the class of ‘59.  After High School he was the 1st in the family to attend college. He graduated in 1965 from The University of North Dakota School of Law. He was top of his class and served as Editor in Chief of the Law Review.  Dave went on to practice Law in Fargo for 40 years. He married Donna Jardine of Fargo, Feb. 1, 1965. They had two children.  Dave spent his time serving the community in many ways and attending his children’s sporting events. When they could, they loved to travel, and they enjoyed two cruises. In 1982 they built their beautiful lake home on Big Cormorant Lake. In 1986 they decided to have only one home to care for and so they moved permanently to the lake in 1986.

Dave continued to work in Fargo and commuted for the next 20 years. He hired many young lawyers and often joked that all the judges in Fargo worked for him at one time! He retired from his own firm, DeMars and Turman in 2006.

After retirement he got involved with lake life. He served on the Big Cormorant Lake association as president and was currently president of the Big Cormorant Lake Area Foundation. They were members of St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church and he was very involved. They switched to Holy Rosary for a few years until they missed the smaller church atmosphere and moved back to St. Mary of the Lakes.  The last 15 years his focus turned to the growth of his family through marriage and grandchildren and his current attitude of… “Whatever!”

Dave is survived by his wife of 54 years, Donna, son Doug (Kelley) DeMars, Orlando, Fl.; Daughter, Debbie (Sean) Wright, Lakeville, Mn. Sister Delores (Bill) Gross of Fargo,  Brother Duane (Joanne) DeMars of Williston, Sister Denita (Ben) Clapp, Fargo, ND. Four grandchildren; Mikayla Switzer, Jacoby Switzer, Theodore Wright and Lauren Wright along with many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be a visitation on Monday, Sept. 30th at David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes, from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7:00. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00am on Tuesday, October 1, at St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church, County Hwy 20 Detroit Lakes, MN.

Memorials: Big Cormorant Lake Area Foundation, 15859, Wermager Beach Rd, Lake Park, MN. 56554.