David Thomas Lynch

David was born on December 21, 1957, in New Hampton, Iowa, the beloved son of Martin and Agnes (Kurash) Lynch. He was raised in the Waucoma area and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School before graduating from Turkey Valley High School in 1976. Known for his quick wit, David would often joke that while he was born on the shortest day of the year, it was also ‘the longest night”!

Following high school, David proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. He completed basic training in Texas and was later stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., with a subsequent assignment in Aviano Air Base, Italy. During his service, David honed his skills as a gifted mechanic—his expertise so respected that generals and high-ranking officials often requested him personally to work on their vehicles. His time in the Air Force nurtured a deep, lifelong sense of patriotism and pride in his country. David remained devoted to his country by serving as a member of the Waucoma American Legion Post 189.

After his honorable service, David returned home and began a varied and industrious career as a mechanic, tool and die maker, and welder. His hands were rarely still, and he took great pride in fixing, building, and improving anything he worked on.

David met the love of his life, Laura Swenson, during a quiet lunch at the Hay Market in Decorah. That serendipitous meeting led to a lifelong partnership, and they were united in marriage on March 27, 1992. Together, David and Laura shared a deep love for the outdoors. Whether camping under the stars, fishing by the water’s edge, shooting off fireworks on the Fourth of July, or hitting the open road on their motorcycles, they found joy in every shared adventure.

Above all, David was a devoted family man. He cherished his time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and happiness. His kind heart, steady hands, and generous spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.

David is survived by his wife of 33 years, Laura Lynch of Waucoma; one daughter, Terra (Shawn) Smith of Andover, MN; one son, Jeromy Jones of Bagley, WI; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jim (Marty) Lynch of Mesquite, NV, and Don (Mary) Lynch of Oklahoma City, OK; one sister, Ann (Alan) Bodensteiner of Hawkeye; one sister-in-law, Jean Lynch of West Des Moines; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Chad Jones; and one brother, Ray Lynch.

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Waucoma has been entrusted with David’s arrangements. A private family service will be held at a later date.