David L Garner passed away June 22, 2020 in Max, ND after balancing a life filled with family and a consuming passion for farming and ranching. Farm animal welfare was his first love and he was very proud of his 4-H and FFA immersion which led him to become a dairy farmer. David was particularly proud of his work in 4-H and FFA which culminated in his "State Dairy Production" award gained during his time at Watseka High School (1966). He attended The University of Illinois and completed 2 years of college but had to interrupt his educational pursuit to respond to his country's call. His enlistment in the US Air Force in 1969 stationed him at Minot, ND, a place he had to go learn about through his public library.

The Air Force took him away from his parents and family home but led him meet his lovely wife of 49 years, Tamara (Osadchy, Max, ND). David and Tamara initially settled near his family in Watseka, Illinois where together they started his dairy farm and raised their first 3 children. David and Tammy were extremely adaptive farmers that flowed with the needs of the times starting with dairy cattle, but progressing through beef cattle, pig farrowing, and pork production as the market dictated.

He and the local vet pioneered the first animal control facility in Iroquois County, Illinois utilizing the lessons on animal care learned through years of owning a federally licensed dog kennel. He always looked to further his family's concerns and departed from farming for a time to become a USDA Federal Meat Inspector. He worked in both Chicago, IL and West Fargo, ND which allowed David and Tammy to ultimately settle near Tammy's family at their small farm in Max, ND.

It was here they were led into devoting their time to the foster child program for 16 years through multiple agencies. This rewarding experience led them to adopt two more children, completing their family of 7. David continued raising animals of all kinds as he was the primary parent at home. He enjoyed sharing his love of animals with all starting with his own family, their community with involvement in 4-H, and even introducing their many foster children to farm family life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Frances Garner, and his grandchild, Zara. He is survived by his wife Tamara, his 5 children, Christine (Mike Sandland), Doreen (Ross Hinsz), Shawn(Ashley, nee Fuchs)Garner, Dovine Garner, and Heather Garner. He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren, Michael, Chloe, Benjamin, Sage, Andrew, Maureen, Evelyn, Jackson, Emery, and Hudson.

An open house memorial service (due to the current corona virus restrictions) will be held in Garrison, ND at Thompson Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 from 4-7 pm. Burial will take place at The North Dakota Veterans Cemetary in Mandan, ND at 11 am on Thursday, July 2, 2020. Memorials may be sent to The ND Veterans Cemetery.