David “Dave” Lee Bausch

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of David Lee “Dave” Bausch, 68, Scarville. Dave was a man of character, a gentle wonderful man, who was much loved by all who knew him. Dave passed away at home under hospice care Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, following a long battle with small cell lung cancer, with the love of his life, Christine Fischer, by his side and with the help of Dave’s family. A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, at Scarville Lutheran Church, with the Reverend Josh Skogan officiating. Reception immediately following the church service at the Scarville Firehouse building. Private family burial will be in the Scarville Lutheran Church cemetery later that afternoon. Memorials may be designated to Mayo Clinic Hospice, Albert Lea, Minn., in the name of David Bausch.
David Lee Bausch was born Oct. 24, 1951 in Alden, Minn. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith and confirmed at Scarville Lutheran Church. He attended Scarville K-8 Lutheran School and graduated from Lake Mills High School. David continued his education at Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minn., from 1969-1971, where he earned an Associate in Arts degree in Liberal Arts.
Dave was married to Stacy Longhway from 1973-1976 and resided in California. In the 1980s, Dave had the opportunity to backpack with friends through the mountains in California. He was an admirer of nature and animals, and loved sharing stories of his adventure with others he met along the way. He enjoyed camping and fishing and shared many trips with his long time Bethany College friends. Dave loved talking and sharing stories with friends about their journey in life.
Dave was employed as office manager by Arnie’s Pump Services and Well Drilling, Rake, for more than 20 years. He treasured his friendship with Bruce Van Gerpen (owner) and his wife, Lori, and considered them as family. He enjoyed sharing stories with Bruce and his other co-workers during their morning coffee breaks. Dave also had a passion for science. He was a man with many talents, always working on projects. He enjoyed rebuilding small engines and constructed his own windmill to generate power.
While attending Bethany, in 1969, David and Chris dated. Their relationship was blessed by re-uniting after 47 years of being apart. Dave and Chris have been together for the past four years, living in Kiester, Minn., with their dog “Katie.” Chris was Dave’s primary caregiver throughout his cancer illness.
He is survived by brothers: Wayne Bausch, Ames; Brian Brudvig, Tennessee; and John (Alli) Brudvig, Scarville; sisters: Kathy Hylland, Scarville; Andrea (Robert) Loduha, Jackson, Wis.; and Teresa (Mark) Ahrens, Cedarburg, Wis.; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.
Dave is preceded in death by his father, Nile Bausch; mother, Vivian Joy Brudvig; and stepfather, Milford Brudvig.