David Caspers Quinlan

David Caspers Quinlan, 83, passed from this world into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, January 16, 2025. He leaves behind his wife, Kathleen (Kathy), family and friends who love him dearly.

David was born on April 21, 1941 in Minneapolis, Minn. He was the second child born to John J. and Helen Mae (Caspers) Quinlan and grew up in Swaledale and on a farm near Thornton. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thornton.

David was a farmer at heart and started his farming career near Thornton, renting land and doing custom work. He married his wife, Kathy, on December 23, 1964. David and Kathy had adventurous spirits, so in 1969 they moved the farming operation to Kittson County, Minn. for five years and in 1974 their operation moved to Dalhart, Tex. where they farmed until 1996 when they sold out and determined to semi-retire.

David and Kathy enjoyed many years of winters in North Palm Beach, Flor. where they enjoyed game fishing and scuba diving in the Atlantic Ocean. They traveled the Bahamas in their boat for many years taking in the climate and culture while enjoying their time on/in the ocean and hawking Texas beef on the docks. David swam with humpbacks and sting rays and speared many lobsters and hogfish. He also enjoyed golfing in his community with all his golf buddies and friends. In 1996 the Quinlans moved to Jupiter, Flor. where David was active in his community and served on the HOA for seven years. During that time he was instrumental in many improvements throughout the community. In 2007, David and Kathy moved back to lowa and enjoyed their years on Clear Lake while finding a new winter home in Fountain Hills, Ariz. where he enjoyed golfing with a great group of snowbirds from the Clear Lake area as well as Texas and Arizona friends and neighbors.

David lived by faith in God and grew in his relationship with Jesus. He served as an elder of First Baptist Church in Dalhart, Tex. and a deacon at Maranatha Christian Church in Palm Beach Gardens, Flor. He was a strong prayer warrior and shared his faith in Jesus with many people. One of the most important, cherished times in his life was the opportunity to minister God’s Word with many participants while serving on the ministry team of “Tools for Freedom.” He was never ashamed of the Gospel and shared his faith openly with others. David lived with purpose and faith in God’s eternal plan.

Those left to cherish David’s memory are his wife of 60 years, Kathy Quinlan; his sister, Rosemary (Glenn) Brady of Clear Lake; his sisters-in-law, Karen Quinlan of Swaledale, Barbara Janson of Dedham, Mass., Sharon (Duane) Olson of Tacoma, Wash.; his nephews, Dr. John Brady (Bridget) and Robert Quinlan of Clear Lake, Remy (Lindsey) Gomez of Portland, Ore.; his nieces, Suzanne (Bruce) Gettman of Cedar Falls, Connie Jensen of Essex, Mona Janson of Tacoma, Wash., Ann Brea of Dedham, Mass., Victoria (Fritz) Messenbrink of Tacoma, Wash. and Carry Lee (Michael) McAllister of Gig Harbor, Wash.; along with many grand nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in passing by his parents, John and Helen Quinlan; his brothers Timothy Quinlan and John James Quinlan; and his brother-in-law Arthur Hilsinger.

Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N 4th St, Clear Lake, with Jon Happel officiating. He will be laid to rest at Pleasant View Cemetery, Thornton. 

Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Avenue North, Clear Lake. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Ward-Van Slyke is in charge of arrangements.