David J. O’Rourke, 87

Walnut Lake – David J. O’Rourke, age 87, died Sunday, June 7, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones after a brief illness at United Hospital District – Blue Earth. He was an early riser, enjoying teasing family members who wanted to sleep in on the weekends–so it was fitting he was up with the birds when he left this earthly home.

A visitation was held on Wednesday, June 10, at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial was Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Easton, MN. Father Peter Klein officiated, and burial followed the service at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery. Please see nasinecfh.com to leave online condolences.

David James was born Sept. 24, 1938 to Jim and Thelma (Hubbard) O’Rourke on the family farm of Walnut Lake Township. He grew up on the farm with his brothers and sisters who included older siblings Pat and Carol and younger siblings Tim and Brigid. He first attended school at the local country “Pink School House,” then St. Casimir’s and graduated from Wells High School the class of 1956. He started farming right out of high school as his own dad had passed away when David was a teenager.

David and Mary Helen were married Feb. 20, 1971 and raised their five kids on that same farm near Walnut Lake. He raised corn, soybeans on the land and especially loved feeding beef cattle. He lived his whole life on the farm that had been in the family since 1894.

Dave and Mary Helen were blessed with six grandchildren; they loved to spend time with talking, sharing great food, watching sports and attending school programs. They are Sam (23) and James Martin (21), Evan (21), Griffin (20) and Logan Kate Miller (16), Lucia Vellutini (13).

Dave had lots of interests outside of farming. He loved being a Catholic and found much peace in praying the Rosary and attending Mass. He enjoyed traveling with Mary Helen, the Twins, daily naps, and ice cream whenever possible. He was Mary Helen’s chief caregiver and took great care in making sure their home was as accessible as possible and that she never missed out on key church, community and family events. In his retirement years, he raised his own popcorn and shared it with hundreds of people.

He is proceeded in death by his wife, Mary Helen (2023); his parents; siblings, Carol and Pat; lots of friends; and several farm dogs, Gus, Rudy, Billcoe, Jake, and Ginger.

Dave is survived by his children: Jennifer (Ken Martin) of Eagan, MN, Chuck of Eagan, MN, Katie (Mark Miller) of Victoria, MN, Brian (Christine Keo) of Eden Prairie, MN and Nellie (Alan Vellutini) of Bend, OR; six grandchildren; his brother, Tim O’Rourke; sister, Brigid O’Rourke; and several nieces and nephews on both the Schimek and O’Rourke sides who greatly admired their Aunt and Uncle. Dave was friends with many; local farm families, cattle buyers out West, his Farming of Yesteryear festival crew, and even his coffee club Lutherans from Bricelyn and Kiester.