David Hobson

David "Rock" Hobson

Age 78 of Stillwater MN, passed away surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024.

He is preceded in death by his parents Jean and Rodney Hobson of Stillwater.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of over 32 years, Sue; children Alison Hobson, John Waldron, Emily(Adam) Bauer; grandchildren Grant Nelson, Audrey Nelson, Paige Bauer, and Lincoln Bauer; brother Matthew Hobson; and many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

David James Hobson was born on November 10, 1945, into the loving arms of Rodney and Jean Hobson of Bemidji, MN. In 1950, Rodney got a teaching job in the small river town of Stillwater, MN which became their permanent home. David spent his youth on the St Croix River with his parents and then friends in high school, building and owning multiple boats which provided great adventures and memories on the river.

David graduated from high school in Stillwater in 1963. He attended UW Stout where he graduated in 1967 with a degree in Industrial Education and Audio-Visual Communication. His brother Matthew was born in 1965. He married Charlaine Tolkien in 1968 and had two daughters Alison and Emily.

His career led him to teach in the Robbinsdale Schools, work as a Media Specialist at Honeywell, form his own companies Media Masters and LTRS, and design and engineer museum displays around the country and in Bermuda.

In 1992, David married Sue and welcomed her son John into the family. They built a home in Stillwater where they continued to live close to family and the St Croix River.

Those are the facts. But the facts don't tell you WHO he is. So, let us share some stories of Dave's life.

Good to the core and always kind, except at Menards when you had to enter the store through a turn style. We can still hear him muttering, "I feel like herded cattle."

His home included a "wounded child room" for his adult children to use in times of heartbreak or illness, and in need of their dad's love and support. And his lengthy driveway goodbyes-no matter the time or temperature-showed he truly cherished every moment with his family.

The St Croix River was his sanctuary. In 1971, the family bought a houseboat and following a slip at Sunnyside Marina where the boat still resides today. Over the years David repaired, painted and made infinite memories as the captain of that boat. It was in the fabric of who he was. His love of the river and boating is a gift that has been passed down to us.

Throughout his life, David was always inventing and devising ways to improve things, resulting in the nickname "Uncle Think Tank". He should have earned numerous patents and a fortune twenty times over for his unique inventiveness.

His signature leg bouncing and tugging on his beard when deep in thought were some of his endearing little mannerisms we'll always remember. A Kenny Rogers look alike, David had an uncanny talent for solving any technical or mechanical problem, but he hated plumbing.

He was a consummate night owl and was naively witty. His smile was the sunshine. He called his parents every day and answered the phone at 2 am. He hugged just a beat too long, because he cared so so much. He was...everything!

And like sweet music, his parting words were always

Stay tuned....

A celebration of life gathering will take place at Bradshaw Funeral Home, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd on Sunday, November 17th from 11 - 3p.m.