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David Ernest Crain, 53, lifelong resident of Shafer, MN, died on January 4, 2020 of congestive heart failure.

Dave Crain was a unique character, with many attributes and failings, as we all have. Anyone who knew Dave will have a story; bad, good or indifferent, but a story nonetheless. This is what we, his family, recall our son, brother, uncle as:

Dave was a staunch defender and rescuer of animals, river lover, Jesus believer, ever curious, avid reader, jerry rigger, adventurer, traveler, Dungeons and Dragons afficionado, a Marine (Semper Fi), tae kwon doe practitioner, woodsman, pugilist, tilt-a-whirl expert, slack chain walker and loyal friend.

Dave crossed the United States, north to south and east to west, working family-owned carnivals to multi-national corporations. He was a games and ride operator, a goon for the bosses, and all around laborer. He chose to retire after a long 20 years in the industry.

Preceded in death by his father, Donald Crain; both Crain and Mills grandparents and many friends.

Survived by mother and stepfather, Donna and Bob Zellner; sisters Kathy Rogers and Charlot Kusick, brother-in-law John; niece Abby Fuhre, nephews Aaron and Noah Rogers, Joel and Matthew Kusick, great-nephews Devin Walker and Jayden Kresa. Also, his loyal road dog, Wily Coyote.

Spring arrangements to be determined and will announced.

Please donate a bag of dog food to your local food shelf in Dave’s memory.

David Crain has walked on, leaving the lights on and the door open, of course.

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