David J. Pilgrim

David J. Pilgrim

Age 77 of Lauderdale, MN

Passed away unexpectedly on November 1, 2023 after going into cardiac arrest. David spent his entire career at Children’s Home Society of Minnesota, starting out as a social worker moving his way to Vice President of Adoption and Family Services. Outside of work, David was a busy body who could never sit still and with all that energy, he filled his time with many hobbies. He was an outdoorsman who loved to garden, spend time at the cabin, and fish with his granddaughters. He was a handyman who loved to build and refinish things. He loved motors, whether it be driving around his little blue convertible, being Captain of the pontoon, or his love of motorcycles evolving into his love of four-wheelers. He had a soft spot for dogs. David still found the time to be socially engaged and give back to many organizations. During his retirement, he would spend winters in Mexico with his wife, Sandy.

David is preceded in death by parents, Walter and Theresa; brother, Walter; and sister-in-law, Jeannette.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sandy; children, Ben (Becky), Maleah (Phroah), Andy (Will); granddaughters, Amelia, Lucy, Sadie, and Alivia; sisters, Dorean, JoAnn (Tom), and Paula (Tom); brother-in-law, Marty; and faithful canine companion, Buttons.

Memorial Service 11am Friday, November 10th, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 1807 Field Ave., St. Paul, with visitation beginning one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Children’s Home Society of Minnesota https://donate.chlss.org/page/31333/donate/1 , Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services https://secured.lirs.org/page/52920/donate/1 , and World Central Kitchen https://wck.org/donate .