David Darol Bixby, 65, of Wells died Monday, June 18, 2018, at his home. A visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells, with a prayer service at 6 p.m. Military honors will be accorded by the Wells Color Guard. Following the visitation there will be a celebration of Dave’s life at the Wells Veterans of Foreign Wars. Interment will be at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is assisting the family. To leave an online condolence, visit www.brussheitner.com.

David Darol was born Nov. 14, 1952, in Wells, the son of Darol and Nellie (Hohrmann) Bixby. Dave honorably served in the United States Navy on the USS Somer DDG 34 from 1971 to 1975 during the Vietnam War era. He was united in marriage to Nancy Knudtson June 11, 1977. Dave loved riding motorcycles, going on adventures with Nancy and spending time with family. He was a member of American Legion Post 210 and former post commander of Wells VFW Post 1778. Dave would light up a room with his smile and personality. He could talk to anyone like they were an old friend. He was truly one of a kind and lived life to the fullest.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents Darol and Nellie; wife of 40 years, Nancy Bixby; daughter, Anna Lea; sister, Marilyn Bayless; and father-in-law, Roy Knudtson.

He is survived by his children: Justin Bixby (wife, Jen Quick) of Redwood City, California, Dana (husband, Michael) Bixby-Buschman of Wells and Jennifer Bixby (fiance, Trent Kotasek) of Wells; two grandchildren, Trinity and Halo Buschman; and granddog, Chester; siblings Barb Stratton of Wells, Josrene Klocek of Somerset, Wisconsin, and Tom (wife, Cindy) Bixby of Wells; mother-in-law, Clara Satre of Mankato; brothers and sisters-in-law Rory (wife, Ona) Knudtson of Buffalo Center, Iowa, Nadine (husband, Paul) Haukoos of St. Peter, Evonne (husband, Fred) Baluski of Ruso, North Dakota, Linda Engebretson of Bricelyn and David (wife, Colleen) Satre of Bricelyn; along with many nieces, nephews and their families.