David Arthur Willaert

David Arthur Willaert, 63, of Mankato, died Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at Mayo Clinic Healthcare Systems in Mankato.

Funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, May 28, 2016 at Northview- North Mankato Mortuary in North Mankato. Visitation will take place from 4-8 p.m., Friday, May 27, 2016 at Northview- North Mankato Mortuary and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato.

David was born January 8, 1953 to Arthur and Lois (Swedberg) Willaert in Mankato. He graduated from Loyola High School in 1971. On November 15, 1975, he married Dianne Thompson. Together they raised three children, Jessica, Tara, and Eric.

For over 40 years, David worked and eventually owned Tire Associates in Mankato. In his free time, David enjoyed playing cards, listening to music, and socializing. He especially loved riding his Harley anywhere and everywhere; in fact, his idea of heaven was riding his Harley off in to the sunset. He was an easy-going man who was the rock of his family, and was affectionately known as “the King”. Family was extremely important to David, and he cared deeply for his children and grandchildren. As a loving, caring and gentle-spirited man, David will be fondly remembered.

David is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Dianne; children, Jessica (Mark) Boweak, Tara (Jurrel) Simmons, Eric (Sarah) Willaert; grandchildren, Kristian, Konan, Autumn, Terrel, Lydia, Connor, Bella, and Grayson; siblings, Steve (Sue) Willaert, Duane (Pat) Willaert, Terri Willaert, Cindy Willaert, Jeff (Jan) Willaert, Mike (Lisa) Willaert, and Cheryl (Dave) Menke; mother-in-law, June Thompson; and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Art and Lois Willaert; father-in-law, Lloyd Thompson; and brothers-in-law, David and Danny Thompson.

The family prefers memorials be given to Mayo Clinic Healthcare Systems Hospice – Mankato.