David Lee Thraen

David “Dave” Lee Thraen died unexpectedly on December 19, 2024 from complications following hip surgery. The family was deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death. He was born on May 9, 1937 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota the youngest son of Ray and Ann Thraen. He lived 87 years and his passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Don Thraen and his sister Alecia Parise; his former wives Connie Thraen of 37 years (mother of his three daughters) and Bonnie Kay Thraen of five years.

As an infant, he moved to Tracy, Minnesota. He attended Tracy High School, class of 1956, where he met and later married his first wife in 1958. They moved to Minneapolis MN where their three daughters were born. He had many professions that moved his family to Long Island NY, Providence RI, Elgin IL, Covington GA, Erlanger KY, and then back to Covington. He was actively involved in his daughters’ lives from practicing softball in the backyard to being a coach to the league president. He thrived on planning trips for his family. He discovered his love of motorhoming in 1974 when the family rented a motorcoach and explored their home state of Minnesota. The family has fond memories of traveling to the west coast in 1977 and up the east coast in 1986.

He and his first wife retired to Maggie Valley NC in 1991. After his first two wives passed away from cancer, he married Jan in 2001. They moved from across the street in Bass Lake to Polo Park in 2002 where he lived for the past twenty two years. He became an invaluable member of the Polo Park community working on numerous projects to enhance the place that he loved. He was well liked by everyone due to his positive energy and willingness to help others.

He loved woodworking making projects small and large from a rocking horse for his grandchildren to large bookcases and cabinets for his home. His pride and joy was his workshop which was quickly reassembled at each new home. He and Jan enjoyed traveling from short trips to the beach to their last big adventure in 2019 traveling over 8000 miles in their motorhome exploring the Rocky Mountains.

He is survived and dearly missed by his loving wife Jan Thraen of 23 years. Forever cherished by his daughters Cathy (Rick) Williams, Jayne Thraen and Barb (Ron) Holt. Remembered by his grandchildren Nikki (Mike) Sloan, Robby Williams, Kelly (Jamario) Parks, Naomi (Clyde) Mathis, Will Blake and Dani Blake. His memory lives on with his great grandchildren Mason Sloan, King Sloan and Logan Parks.

The family would like to express a special thank you to his stepdaughter Julie and her husband Kendal Chapman for the care and compassion they showed him in the last years of his life.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service to be held at the Polo Park Clubhouse 1744 Challenger Avenue Davenport, Florida 33897 on January 27, 2025 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a “Gift from the Heart” donation in his memory to Habitat for Humanity a cause near and dear to his heart.