David Bering Wiencke, age 80, died at home surrounded by family on December 16, 2025 after three months in hospice care. He is survived by Chris, his wife of 50 years, son Jim (Christina) of Maple Grove, daughters Mary (Kris Bremer) and Susan (Janette Kaden) of Portland, OR, grandchildren Nathaniel and Julia Wiencke, Mabel, Beatrice and Evelyn Bremer, and Jude Kaden. He was preceded in death by brother Jimmy, sister Janice O’Neill (Dan) and parents Ralph and Virginia Wiencke.

David grew up in south Minneapolis in a neighborhood packed with kids, many of whom became lifelong friends. He attended Roosevelt High School (with many of the aforementioned kids) and graduated from the University of Minnesota. He taught German and English at Folwell Junior High for two years before deciding teaching was not for him. He then joined the Peace Corps, where his two-year service in Afghanistan was cut short after only six months by volatile political developments. Back in the U.S., he joined the staff of Clara Doerr Residence, a home for adults with developmental disabilities. During his 20 years there, he helped residents gain skills needed to live on their own and, having earned his MBA from St Thomas, took over as director. This is also where he met his wife-to-be, Chris Sherburne, when she joined the staff in 1973. In the early 90s, he developed a strong interest in the internet and computer technology. He decided he was ready for a change of pace, and began his own business designing and hosting websites, publishing newsletters, and coaching friends, family, and clients in a variety of technology skills.

David had a love of the outdoors, which began in childhood with many family camping trips. He also was a charter member of the Sibley Sportsman’s Club, a group of friends from high school and the old neighborhood who met monthly and organized yearly events: an ice fishing trip in January, a family fishing trip in June, and a yearly bowling party. He imparted his love of the outdoors with his own family by organizing month-long camping trips in the summer: exploring the country from Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon to Glacier Park and the Black Hills, from Disney World and Mammoth Cave to Acadia National Park and the USS Constitution. His favorite trip was the one circumnavigating Lake Superior. The Sherburne family cabin was another place he could readily indulge his love of solitude and being outdoors. One of his favorite activities over the last 40 years was to drink a cup of his meticulously made pour-over cup of coffee standing on the dock at Farm Island Lake on a bright sunny morning.

David especially adored his six grandchildren (and they adored him!), making them laugh and playing games at every opportunity. Perpetually positive and optimistic, David thrived on routine, not “sweating the small stuff,” and taking great pleasure in ordinary things that brightened his day. His steadiness, patience and sense of humor will be missed as well as the persistence he applied to fixing things and solving problems – he just kept at it until he figured it out.

A memorial gathering is planned for January 10 from 10:30 to 1:30 at The Marsh, 15000 Minnetonka Blvd. Brunch will be served beginning at 10:30 followed by a program. We will have a story circle after the program to share our memories of David.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emergency Support for Palestinian Families in Gaza.

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