Dr. Arnold D. "Dave" Alstad passed away peacefully July 18, 2011, surrounded by his family, after a year-long battle with cancer.
Born April 6, 1936, in Eau Claire, WI, to Arnold and Kathryn (Dauffenbach) Alstad, Dave grew up in Jackson, MN. He graduated from the University of Minnesota as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and in 1960, he volunteered for the US Army Veterinary Corps. Discharged as a captain in 1962, Dave joined a mixed animal practice in Medford, WI.
Dave married Norma Tuntland in 1964, and this union was blessed with three children. Dave worked at the State Diagnostic Laboratory at NDSU for 21 years. During his career, he received a MS in Bacteriology, a PhD in Virology from Washington State University, and Diplomate Status from the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists.
In 1990, Dave joined the Virology Section of the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, USDA APHIS in Ames, IA, where he worked until his retirement in 1998.
During his scientific career Dave named a disease and virus, authored several book chapters, and wrote numerous scientific publications.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, John.
He is survived by Norma, his wife of 46 years; children, Beth (Joe) Antonoplos, John (Michelle) Alstad, and Mary (Mark) Lenzmeier. His four grandsons, Andrew and CJ Lenzmeier, and Nick and Joey Antonoplos brought him great joy.
Dave loved his wife, family, hunting, fishing, and life.
Visitation is on Friday, July 22, 2011, 9:30 - 11 AM at Living Waters Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND with the Funeral Service on Friday at 11 AM at the church.
Interment: Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 11 AM at Lands Lutheran Church Cemetery, Hudson, SD.