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Ahlgren, David L.
STILLWATER, MINN. David L. Ahlgren, age 67, died on Tuesday, March
13, 2007. Dave fought a spirited two-year battle with prostate cancer.
He was born on Nov. 19, 1939. He was a graduate of University of
Wisconsin-Madison. David joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard as a
pilot, then in 1965 began a 29-year career as a pilot with Northwest
Airlines. Later, U.S. Air Force duties included serving as liaison
officer for U.S. Air Force Academy, retiring as lieutenant colonel. He
will miss his 50-year class reunion from Madison West High School this
summer. He played in the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and the UW
Marching Band. Dave enjoyed a wide range of volunteer activities over
the years: while living in Burnsville, he was active in local politics
and the Burnsville Fire Muster. He was also a Minnesota Zoo volunteer
for five years, contributed volunteer efforts with the Minnesota DNR
Non-Game Division, helped collect trumpeter swan eggs in Alaska, and
aided in development of woodworking for wildlife books on bird houses
and feeders, most noted for having produced somewhere over 85,000
Peterson style bluebird houses which were instrumental in bringing back
this beautiful songbird. David presented many programs on bluebirds to
elementary schools, nature centers, and many bird stores, in addition
branched out to programs on bird feeding to a variety of garden clubs
and other groups. He was active with Minnesota Transportation Museum for
several years, including working as a licensed brakeman and conductor,
and two years as superintendent of the MTM Railroad Division. He also
volunteered at Warner Nature Center. He combined his love of woodworking
with his love of nature, especially birds, bird feeders, and bird
houses. Dave's humor, enormous energy and enthusiasm for many different
activities, touched countless lives, and he will be sorely missed by
many. He is survived by his loving wife, Jan, of 34 years; sister, Peggy
Ahlgren of Spring Green; uncle, Gilbert; aunt, Lillie; many cousins and
countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Henry L.
and Harriet Ahlgren of Madison. Special thanks to the wonderful doctors
and nurses at MOHPA, and for the special care given by the angels at The
Gathering. A celebration of David's life will be Friday, March 16, 2007,
11 a.m. at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 115 North 4th Street, Stillwater,
Minn. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Burial will be
at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials to Lakeview Hospice, or
Friends of Crex Meadows, or Trumpeter Swan Society, or donor's choice.
Arrangements have been made with Bradshaw Funeral Home, 2800 Curve Crest
Boulevard, Stillwater, Minn. (651) 439-5511
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