Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
David Eugene Staehnke was born on July 28, 1942, to Walter and Edna Staehnke near Bemidji, Minnesota. He passed away on Dec. 15, 2025, at a care facility in Hood River, following a battle with vascular dementia.
After moving with his family from Minnesota, David grew up and attended school in Havana, North Dakota, graduating from high school in 1960. Shortly after, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1960-1964, including service with the 57th Combat Support Squadron in Okinawa, Japan.
David and his first wife Joan moved to Oregon in 1964. They later divorced. He married Judy Sigman on Jan. 9, 1971.
David dedicated nearly 40 years of his working life to Harvey Aluminum, later known as Martin Marietta and Northwest Aluminum. His strong work ethic and loyalty were hallmarks of his career.
Outside of work, David stayed busy and active. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking and home improvement projects, and had a creative side that showed through his stained-glass work. He took great pride in caring for his lawn — and often the lawns of others — always willing to lend his time and effort. In retirement, David and Judy enjoyed their winter trips to the southwest United States to visit family and attend NASCAR races. David was deeply committed to his health and fitness, working out at the club three days a week for more than 30 years, a testament to his discipline and determination.
He also gave generously of his time to his community. David was actively involved in youth baseball, coaching and maintaining ballfields, where he helped install the first batting cage and electric scoreboard at 16th Street Ballpark. He honored veterans by assisting the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars place graveside flags at local cemeteries on special holidays. Later in life, he continued his service as a delivery driver and chairman of the board for Meals on Wheels.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Staehnke; his children, Sandy Loop (Larry), Mike Sigman (Adrienne), Teresa Vaders, Cathy Staehnke, and Mark Staehnke (Adina); 19 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Shirley Lee; his sister-in-law, Nancy Hunt-Petersen (Chet); and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Edna Staehnke; his son, Rick; and his siblings, Betty Peterson, William Staehnke, Neil Staehnke, Enid Parrow, and Ferne Anderson.
A celebration of life honoring David will be held at Bargeway Pub in The Dalles on Saturday, March 21 from 2-5 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate his life. David will be interred at the Dufur Community Cemetery in a private ceremony at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in David’s memory to Meals on Wheels.
To plant a tree in memory of David Staehnke as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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