David "Dave" Viste

David “Dave” Alfred Viste joined his Heavenly Father, surrounded by his family at home on January 5, 2025. Dave was born on June 19, 1937, in Wheaton, Minnesota as the only child of Alfred and Elsie Viste.  He grew up in Ada, MN, spending months each year helping at the family farm near Hanna, Alberta and enjoying time with his much-loved Canadian relatives. He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where he received a degree in psychology.  During his time at Concordia, he met Karyl Joyce Sonsteng.  They fell in love, and they were married on July 28, 1962, in Glasgow, MT. Following their wedding, they lived in Oceanside, California, where Dave proudly served as an artillery officer in the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines at Camp Pendleton.  Dave served during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a time his family would often ask to hear stories about.  One of the favorites is how tenacious Karyl was in evading base security, hoping she could see Dave one more time before the ships sailed.

Dave and Karyl ultimately ended up moving to Great Falls, Montana in 1968, where they made a home, raised a family, and continued to live to the present.  Their children, Kyla Dawn, born in 1964, Leah Jo in 1969, and Brent David in 1977, have profound love for their father and are forever grateful for his guidance and support in their lives.

Dave was a devout Christian, firmly believing in and being a witness to God’s abiding love.  In his final days, he expressed his desire to be able to spend the holiday with his family.  That desire was fulfilled as he was able to spend Christmas with his wife Karyl, his three children, their partners, and his grandchildren.  In addition, a number of beloved friends were able to have a final earthly conversation with Dave.  In his final moments Dave was surrounded by family members who so dearly loved him.  In a world that can feel short on miracles, this is proof that miracles still exist.

Dave’s heart was big enough for everyone.  Those lucky enough to know Dave knew they were important to him.  He was genuinely interested in the lives of others, which one could see as he would listen intently, his eyes sparkling.  Several days after his passing, a friend shared with Dave’s children how when she was in an emotionally bad place she ran into Dave and Karyl.  Karyl prayed with her and Dave shared words of hope and love.  This is how Dave lived his life, in service to others.  These special connections, the show of love and compassion, the appreciation of simple things, service to others, and his love for the Lord is the legacy left by Dave.  Of course, one would be remiss if Dave’s quick wit, famous humor, and legendary sweet tooth were not noted.  His twinkling eyes and clever quips will forever be imprinted in the hearts of those who loved him.

Dave was a proud Marine and Veteran.  He loved being involved in The Marine Corp League, The Devil Dogs, The Marine Honor Guard, the Gideons, the Sunrise Lions Club, Faith Lutheran, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Churches.

Dave is survived by his wife of 62 years, Karyl; his children, Kyla Zehr (Brian) of Fort Wayne, IN, Leah Viste (Jon) of Fargo, ND, and Brent Viste of Great Falls, MT; his adored grandchildren, Evan Zehr of Nashville, TN, Erin Zehr of Pittsburgh, PA, and Andrew Zehr of Zurich, Switzerland; sister-in-Law, Carma Johnson; and brothers-in-law, Amos Erickson and Dennis Johnson; countless nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchildren, and other relatives that had such a significant place in his heart.  He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred Viste; his mother, Elsie Viste; and his sister-in-law, Marlene Erickson.

A service to celebrate his life will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church. Today, go out and be kind to someone in honor of Dave.  Semper Fidelis.