David Graves

David Graves, age 72, of Winona, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at his home.

He was born on September 22, 1951, in Waseca, MN, to Darwin and Delaine (Glenna) Graves. Dave was a graduate of Winona Senior High School class of 69, he received a degree in Automotive Mechanics from Winona Area Technical School in 1971, and received degrees in Meteorology from University of Penn.

Dave honorably served his country with the United States Navy from 1975 – 1996, with tours in the Persian Gulf, Somalia, and Iraq. He was a veteran of the Gulf War. All of this culminated in Dave being the Commanding Officer of the Battle Group Weather Forecasters of the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 in 1992. He was a member of the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post 9 of Winona, where he was the commander of the funeral burial detail for 15 years. He also was a member and leader of the Winona Am Vets for 23 years where he helped people with various technology needs, and helped Veterans receive recognition through detailed bricks laid throughout Winona Veterans Park. Dave believed in service to his community which led him to be a member, Past President, and Trustee of the Winona Eagles Club 1243.

Dave was known as a computer guy in Winona who could fix just about anything with a computer. He took joy in being able to support his friends and strangers via the Am Vets with various technology needs. His passion for technology could only be rivaled by his passion for reading adventure and mystery books. It would not be unusual for him to read up to 10 books a week. Dave was an avid Minnesota sports fan and loved his cars, especially his new Dodge Challenger.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents Darwin and Delaine Graves, sister Phillis, brother Earl, and brother in-law Glen Busitzky. He is survived by his sister Beverly (Glen) Busitzky, sister in-law Laurie (Earl) Graves, niece Tracey (John) Robinson, niece Trisha (John) Aleckson, nephew Jeremy (Wendy) Graves, nephew Jamie Graves, and great nieces and nephews Victoria, Zach, Alexis, Hayden, Belinda , and Mathew. We also would like to acknowledge Dave’s special friend Karen Seed for her years of friendship.

Visitation will be held from 1 PM until a short time of remembrance at 3 PM on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona. After the time of remembrance, military honors will be provided outside the funeral home by the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post 9 of Winona. A celebration of life will then take place at the Winona Eagles Club 1243.

Dave will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Memorials may be directed to the Winona Legion Burial Detail.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Dave’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.