David Wrolstad

David L. “Wrol” and “Chief” Wrolstad, age 83, of Cottage Grove, passed away on February 7th, 2021 from congestive heart failure.

David was born in Albert Lea, MN on September 8th 1937, the second of four boys. The family soon moved to Bemidji where they raised their family and ran the A&W Drive-In there for many years.  While attending Bemidji State University, David opted to put college on hold and enlisted in the US Army in December 1959.  He served nearly 3 years in the Army Security Agency (ASA) stationed in Korea.  He was awarded several commendations before his honorable discharge in June 1962.  Once back to civilian life, he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Bemidji State, where he met Rosie Yurkovich.  The two were married in October 1962.  In 1970 the family moved to Cottage Grove and established roots in the community. David was employed with NCR and Lloyd Thomas Industrial Appraisers before becoming a small business owner in 1985 when the family purchased Cottage Grove Liquors.  David was the proud owner/operator of the store for 13 years, and during that time he was an active member of the Lions Club and participated in many community service initiatives.  One favorite was the popular annual pancake breakfast with Santa where he happily became known as the “sausage king” for his skills on the flat-top grill.

He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with friends at his home course, Clifton Highlands Golf Club in Prescott, WI, where he also worked part-time as a groundskeeper after retiring.  Another of his life’s pleasures was the yearly fishing trip to Canada’s English River area with his grandson and fishing buddies.  In retirement, when not on the golf course, David enjoyed spending time in the comfort of his home and in the company of his family and friends.

David was a gentle, sweet soul.  Kind, honest, and loyal, he was a man of few words, but was always quick with a greeting and sure to make everyone feel welcome in his presence.  He was a man of simple pleasures. He loved his family and was especially proud of his grandson Dustin.  David took pride in maintaining the family pool, always being sure it was in pristine condition for the family’s annual Fourth of July pool party. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed his Tom Clancy collection. He was a huge fan of Minnesota sports and avidly followed the Twins, Vikings – since their inception in 1961! – and Wild hockey.

He is survived by his daughter Jodee Sonderegger (Erol) and grandson Dustin Wrolstad (Becca), nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Rosie Wrolstad, parents Vern and Derva Wrolstad and his 3 brothers Tommy, John and Paul.

A Celebration of Life will be 11:30 AM with visitation beginning at 10:30 AM, Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S., Cottage Grove, MN, 55016.