David Esten Rye, 61

David Esten Rye, age 61, passed away unexpectedly on June 7, 2024.

David was born on August 20, 1962, in Marshall Minnesota. He grew up on a farm with his five siblings outside of Minneota, MN, and graduated from Minneota High School. He cultivated a passion for agriculture at a very young age and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in agronomy at the University of Minnesota. He obtained his Master of Business Administration at the Carlson Executive Business School of Management at the University of Minnesota.  He had a successful corporate business career in the agricultural industry. 

David met his wife Monica at college, and they were married on December 29, 1984. They had four children together. David was a very proud provider for his family, and will be remembered as a very loving father, grandfather, brother, and spouse. He was a devoted Christian, was faithful to God and his family. To him there was nothing more important than those two facts.

David is survived by his wife, Monica Rye (Fuerst), son, Esten (Andrea) Rye, daughter, Brianna (Aaron) Haddy, daughter, Cameo (Brian) Dockendorf, daughter, Alexis (Corbin) Michaels. He was a wonderful grandpa and is survived by nine grandchildren: Iris Rye, Walter Haddy, Monica Haddy, Evie Dockendorf, Zaylor Dockendorf, Emma Michaels, Audra Michaels, Arlo Michaels, and Dean Michaels. He is also survived by his siblings Carolyn Proehl of Winthrop, Suzzette Rye of Hastings, Margaret (Steve) Loveless of Maplewood, MN, sister-in-law Bonnie Rye and many beloved nieces and nephews. David is preceded in death by his parents Donald and Susan Rye (Selinski), Donald Rye (brother), and Michael Rye (brother).

To Honor David’s wishes, a tree will be planted in his memory at the cemetery and a memorial service will be held for David on June 23, 2024, at 2 p.m., at Hope Lutheran Church, 113 S. Jefferson St., Minneota, MN 56264. Please join us in honoring his life and to celebrate David’s passing to Christ. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the funeral home for planting of the memory tree at the Hope Cemetery in David’s memory.