Services for David Uhlir

David Uhlir, age 66, of Winger, MN, died Thursday, February 20, 2020, at the Pioneer Memorial Care Center, Erskine, MN.

David Alan, the son of Ernest and Hazel (Baglien) Uhlir, was born on June 21, 1953, in Mahnomen, MN. He grew up on the family farm near Winger and attended Bejou Elementary School. As a teenager, David excelled in high school sports which ultimately lead him into his future profession. He was especially passionate for football, wrestling and track. He was very skilled at shotput, earning the “Pine to Prairie” record, which he still holds today. After graduating with the class of 1971, David received scholarships to attend Concordia College where he played football for several years. He proudly served as the Captain for the Concordia Cobbers and earned MVP. One of his first days at college, David met Jean Cahill, who became the love of his life. On July 21, 1973 they were united in marriage in White Bear Lake, MN. In 1975, he graduated with dual degrees in teaching and accounting and shortly thereafter he began his career in public education. He taught health, physical education, and coached in Waubun, MN, and later Jackson, MN. In 1985, David began working for the Bagley High School. For the next 25 years, Coach Uhlir was the physical education teacher as well as coach for football, track, and wrestling. He truly loved helping his students shape their lives for the better. In 2002, David was honorably inducted into the Concordia Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 2010 he retired from teaching. In his spare time, David enjoyed being outdoors, deer hunting, and helping his dad on the family farm. When he had time, he played softball and liked to golf. As his family grew, his grandchildren became the highlight of his life. He liked watching their events and being a part of their world. After struggling for some time, in 2014, David received a devastating diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s. His life, although much too short, was well lived and he is now at peace. 

David is survived by his wife, Jean of Winger; two sons, Anthony (Maxine) of Grand Forks, ND, and Daniel (Corrie) of Bagley, MN; one daughter, Kristi (Shaun) Moritz of Winger; six grandchildren: Katie, Alex, Jonathan, Teddy, Micah, and Grant; and one brother, Duane (Sue) of Fargo, ND. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Hazel. 

Funeral Services were held Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou, MN. Visitation was held Monday, February 24, 2020, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. at the church.

Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Online website: www.andersonfamilyfh.com.