David George Velde

   David “Dave” Velde was born December 11, 1951, the only child of George and Theola (Lund) Velde. Dave was a world traveler, a student of politics and history, a voracious reader of mystery novels and a true master of all trades. He was a passionate advocate for family farming and agriculture, and he approached every challenge with determination, creativity, and curiosity. Tenacious, loyal, knowledgeable and well-read, Dave loved learning about the world and the people in it. Whether visiting with lifelong friends or striking up conversations with someone he had just met, he genuinely enjoyed connecting with others. He asked thoughtful questions, solved difficult problems, and never shied away from a challenge.
   As a young man, Dave played bass drum in the Maynard High School band and worked as the school’s janitor while completing his education. He graduated from Maynard High School in 1969, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Metropolitan State University, and received his Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law in 1982.
   Throughout his distinguished career, Dave served as Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Minnesota, developed computer applications for agricultural producers at Control Data Corporation, worked as counsel to the Rules Committee of the Minnesota House of Representatives, and served as director of Green View, managing Minnesota’s state rest areas. He also served as Director of Public Affairs for the Minnesota Farmers Union and as counsel to the National Farmers Union. Dave was admitted to the Minnesota State Bar in 1983 and to the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota in 1984.
   In November 1983, Dave and his family moved to Alexandria, where he joined Gaffaney Mitchell, Ltd., now Velde Moore, Ltd. He practiced law there with dedication and integrity for more than 42 years, continuing until his passing. His practice included serving as U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee for 27 years.
   Dave believed deeply in serving his community. He served two terms on the Calvary Lutheran Church Council, taught Sunday school, and served on the boards of the Runestone Museum, Lutheran Social Ministry of Minnesota, the Minnesota Rural Finance Authority, First State Bank of Alexandria and Quad A Board for the Arts of Alexandria.
   His work with agriculture also took him around the globe. As counsel for the National Farmers Union – one of the founding organizations of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers and later the World Farmers Organization - Dave served on the organization’s audit committee and represented North America for six years. His work allowed him to visit countries throughout Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and South America, including South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, Italy, Luxembourg, France, Finland, Spain, Russia, Germany, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, and China.
   In 1969, as college freshmen, Dave met the love of his life, Brenda. They were married in 1974 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2024. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, service, and shared adventures. They were blessed with a son, daughter and five beloved grandchildren.
   Following an unexpectedly brief and acute illness, Dave passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026 at the age of 74.
   Dave was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Brenda; his son, Nick; his daughter, Elizabeth Paul; his grandchildren, James Velde, Sam Velde and Victoria Velde, Emma Krohnfeldt and Spencer Paul; and seven nieces and nephews, Kirsten Morcomb, Craig Morcomb, Erik Bergs, Laura Von Luven, Corrine Disrud, Katie Butler and Courtney Engelbrecht.
   Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, July 8, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Minnesota. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 7, from 4:00 to7:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the Church. Interment will follow at Carlos Prairie Cemetery.
   In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the National Farmers Union Foundation or the Minnesota FFA Foundation, PO Box 365, Plainview, MN 55964.
   Dave will be remembered for his sharp mind, generous spirit, unwavering commitment to agriculture, and the countless lives he touched through his friendship, mentorship, and service.