David F. Dienst

David Franklin Dienst, age 78, of Faribault, MN passed away Friday, December 26 at home surrounded by family.

David was born on May 2, 1947 in Faribault to Edwin and Blanche (Crandall) Dienst. He graduated from Faribault High School with the class of 1965. David married Nancy (Kaul) on June 8, 1968 at the St. Lawrence Church in Faribault. Nancy preceded him in death on August 27, 2014. David worked more than 32 years at the United States Postal Service serving in various capacities until he retired from his role as supervisor in 2009. He was a proud member of the U.S. Army and of the U.S. Army Reserves where he served for 28 years and was honorably discharged in 1994. In retirement, David drove school bus for 16 years until September 2025.

David was an avid outdoorsman and hunter, enjoying waterfowl and turkey hunting. He also enjoyed cutting wood, mowing the lawn and target shooting, both rifle and archery. He often volunteered and was involved in many organizations including, Faribault Archery Club, Ducks Unlimited, National Turkey Federation, and the Knights of Columbus. At St. Patrick’s Church, he participated in the Befriender’s program. Most of all, he treasured his time with his grandchildren and watching their activities.

He is survived by his sons, Dusty (Anne) and Nick (Beth) Dienst, both of Faribault; grandchildren Hunter (Samantha), Bo (Rylie), Sydney (Adyn), and Mikayla Dienst; siblings Jeanette Schmidt, Charles “Ed” Dienst, Janice Chappuis, and Kenny (Bobbi) Dienst all of Faribault; by sisters and brother-in-law, Judy Kaul of Northfield, MN, Gloria (Paul) Kennedy of Mankato, MN and Jean Kaul of Burnsville, MN and by many other nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife Nancy; parents; infant granddaughter Lizzy Dienst; sisters Phyllis (Bill) Sammon and Edna “PeeWee” (John) Dickison; and brother Robert (Diane) Dienst; by two brothers-in-law, Bud Chappuis and Warren Schmidt and sister-in-law, Diane “Dede” Dienst.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Patrick in Shieldsville, MN with Fr. Timothy Sandquist officiating. Interment will be held at St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Organization.

Visitation will be held at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

For those attending the service the family encourages you to wear camouflage that day.

Memorials may be directed to Allina Health Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice in memory of David.