David Sundberg

David Norman Sundberg was born on June 16, 1935, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to Walter and Hazel Sundberg. The oldest of four children, he grew up in the Fergus Falls area and remained connected to his community throughout his life. He passed away on November 6, 2026, in Fergus Falls.

David was a lifelong member of Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, where his faith and church community were an important part of his life.

Beekeeping was a passion throughout David's life, and he proudly carried on the family tradition as a second-generation beekeeper. He served as president of the Minnesota Beekeepers Association and the American Beekeeping Federation, sharing his leadership and expertise with the beekeeping industry at both the state and national levels.

David's contributions to the industry were also recognized by the Sioux Honey Association, which honored him with both the Member of the Year Award and the Pioneer Award. His family's business, Sundberg Apiaries, Inc., is now owned and operated by his son, Mark, who carries on the family's longstanding tradition of beekeeping. That same passion has been passed down to David's grandson, Sam, a fourth-generation beekeeper who works alongside his father and hopes to one day take over the family business. The business also holds the distinction of having the longest-standing membership in the Sioux Honey cooperative, dating back to 1937.

David's involvement in beekeeping extended well beyond the United States. Through his work and connections in the industry, he traveled to New Zealand and Australia several times, building relationships and sharing his knowledge with the international beekeeping community.

In addition to his work in beekeeping, David was a talented woodworker who pursued woodworking as a sideline career. He took great pride in his craftsmanship and was highly skilled at working with his hands. Among his many projects, he built boats and constructed the family cabin on Jewett Lake, creating a special place for family and friends to gather and make lasting memories.

David also enjoyed snowmobiling and shared that passion with friends and family. Over the years, he made several snowmobiling trips to Yellowstone and northern Minnesota, creating many fond memories along the way.

During his retirement years, David developed a passion for collecting Model T automobiles, eventually amassing an impressive collection of more than 27 cars. He also enjoyed putting together puzzles, many of which he framed and proudly displayed.

David married Anita Gadow in 1955, and together they had two children, Mark and Marcia. In 1989, he married Ellen Flaten, who remained his wife until his passing.

David is survived by his wife, Ellen Flaten Sundberg; his son, Mark (Tanya) Sundberg; his stepchildren, Lori Flaten and Michael (Robyn) Flaten; his grandchildren, Benjamin Sundberg, Samuel Sundberg, and Kristian Flaten; and his sisters, Lois (Dave) Smedstad and Mary (Dale) Larson.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marcia Sundberg, and his sister, Shirley (Larry) Lokken.

Memorial Service: 1:30 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2026 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service.

Clergy: Reverend Amy Kelly

Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com