Aronson, David

David Alan Aronson, age 80, died peacefully surrounded by his family on June 13, 2024.

He was born on a farm in rural Iola, WI on November 15, 1943. Many of the values he acquired as a child of Depression-era parents sustained him for his entire life.

Dave graduated from Iola-Scandinavia High School in 1961. He later graduated with a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1967 and an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 1973. His intent to pursue a Ph.D. in medieval history was interrupted when, like many other young men of his generation, Dave was drafted and served in Vietnam from 1969-70. While in combat, he served in A Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Division, 11th Infantry Brigade in I-Corps in the Central Highlands near Chu Lai. After sustaining a grenade injury for which he was awarded a Purple Heart, he served in the 31st Public Information Detachment as a combat correspondent and as a clerk and typist. He eventually attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY in pursuit of a Ph.D.

Having previously worked in residential life at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, WI and at SUNY at Stony Brook, Long Island, NY; Dave came to the UMN Morris as the Director of Residential Life in 1981. He later worked as Project Manager in the Physical Plant, coordinating such projects as Big Cat Stadium and the Welcome Center. He met his future wife, Stacey Parker, when she came to teach Spanish in 1985. They married on July 4, 1987, and were devoted to each other for over 36 years. They had two children: James Jerald (December 6, 1993) and Darcey Mae (May 5, 1995).

Dave had an infectious zest for life. He enjoyed socializing, sharing good wine with friends, and engaging in spirited conversations. He was an avid reader of history, a film aficionado, and a world traveler. He supported progressive causes and was a member of the DFL. He played golf, earned his private pilot’s license, was a member of the VFW, and was a founding member of the Morris Theatre Cooperative. He was also a loyal Green Bay Packers fan and a proud team owner, thereby proving that you can take the boy out of Wisconsin, but you can’t take Wisconsin out of the boy.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Oliver Aronson and Marian Henrietta (Moe) Aronson; his sister, Charlotte Ione (Aronson) Elder; and his brother, James Edward Aronson. He is survived by his wife, Stacey Lee Parker Aronson; his son, James Jerald Aronson; his daughter, Darcey Mae Aronson; his brother-in-law, George Elder; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many lifelong friends.

A private family burial will be held later in Iola, WI.