David Nichtern

Funeral services for Dave Nichtern, of Starbuck, Minnesota, will be on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck with Reverend A.J. Kluver officiating.  A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 13, from 4-7:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Thursday.  Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock. 

David Gerald Nichtern was born on May 19, 1951, to Dorothy and Gerald Nichtern in Waseca, Minnesota. Dave grew up on his family farm with his siblings: Bonnie, Tim, and Becky. He attended Waseca High School and later Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he met his “sunshine”, Gloria Luthi.

Dave was united in marriage to Gloria Luthi on September 2, 1972, in Hancock, Minnesota. They eventually made their home in Starbuck, Minnesota, where they raised their three children, Chris, Kelly, and Kyle.

In 1978, Dave & Gloria opened their convenience store, the Mini-Waska 76. After 20 years, Dave sold the convenience store and opened Dave’s Doo Wop Coffee Shop. For the next 20 years, Dave lived out his dream of running a coffee shop where he became known for his pizza and famous chicken salad. Throughout his career, Dave connected with everyone he met, whether it was telling stories, showing off his 50s and 60s memorabilia, or lending a listening ear.

Dave had many roles throughout his life, from chairman of the school board to church council president to Mission Mexico International president, but his favorite roles were being a husband, father, and grandfather. Dave loved fiercely, laughed often, and showed kindness to everyone he met. He is loved by so many and will be greatly missed.

David died on December 8, 2023, surrounded by his family at his home in Starbuck, he was 72 years old.

Dave is survived by his wife of 51 years, Gloria Nichtern; son, Christopher (Connie) Nichtern; daughter, Kelly (Eric) Heyer: son, Kyle (Katie) Nichtern; grandsons: Connor Nichtern, Elijah Heyer, Jonah Heyer, James Nichtern, Marshall Nichtern, Beckett Heyer, and Leo Nichtern; granddaughters: Aubrie Heyer, Kylie Nichtern, and Norah Nichtern. Dave is also survived by his sister, Becky (Gary) Anderson; brother-in-law, Aldean (Charlotte) Luthi; sisters-in-law: Betty Ann (Carl) Batdorf and Virene Luthi; eight nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Gerald Nichtern; sister, Bonnie Wilson; brother, Timothy Nichtern; and mother-in-law and father-in-law: Albert and Myrtle Luthi.