Obituary of David Brooks Gradine

David Brooks Gradine, 70, of Duluth, passed away peacefully Feb. 2, 2016, in San Marco with cat Moe and Bible beside him. Heaven awaits you father. Dave was born Aug. 12, 1945, in Duluth, to Joyce and Vernon Gradine at St. Luke's hospital. He's a Vietnam Era Veteran - U.S. Army, October 1966 - January 1968 - Hanau, Germany, Missile Base. Medals include National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Sharpshooter (Rifle). Dave was employed by U.S. Steel Corp-Minntac and later sailed with EPA RV/Roger R. Simmons/R/V Lake Guardian as a Steward/Merchant Seaman. Dave loved time with family and long walks that included feeding rabbits in Canal Park. He was preceded in death by his parents; uncle Lyman Brooks; aunt Nellie Brooks; brother James Benvie; and sister Annie Benvie. Dave is survived by his son, David Gradine Jr. (Shelly Roe); daughters Diana Gradine (fianc Eric Hoff, to whom David had a special friendship with towards the end of his life) and Gena Gradine; grandchildren Tyler (Chelsea), Brandon, Samantha and Noah; great-granddaughter Ava; brothers Richard (Karen) Gradine, Scott Gradine and Stuart (Connie) Benvie; sister Jean Rindahl; and several nieces and nephews. VISITATION: 2 until the 3 p.m. service Monday, Feb. 15, at the Cremation Society, 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth. Interment at Fort Snelling National Veterans Cemetery in Minneapolis. Thank you to San Marco staff, St. Luke's Hospice, Dr. Kurt Kamper and Dr. Sandy Popham who went above and beyond to serve him with dignity. As my father would say, "Thank you kindly."