David Quentin Oyen, 78
David Quentin Oyen, 78, of Kalispell, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021.
Dave was born April 15, 1943, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and raised in Baltic, South Dakota.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Marie, his sisters Ada, Bertha Mae, and Gladys, and his brother Nels.
Dave is survived by his wife Kathy, daughters Cassandra, Stacia and Nicole, son-in-law Robert, his grandchildren Alexis, Jesse, Hailey, Bella, Savannah, Londyn, Logan and Aurora, sister-in-law JoAnne, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends and fans.
Dave was a proud Marine veteran who loved America, serving his country from 1962 to 1966. Dave was also an accomplished country singer and guitarist, and he was inducted into the South Dakota Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009, as well as the Legends of South Dakota Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011.
Dave additionally won South Dakota Country Music Hall of Fame’s Acoustic CD of the Year/Album of the Year in 2018. Dave’s impressive voice can still be enjoyed on Pandora, YouTube, Spotify, and many other streaming services.
Dave and his wife Kathy (a Montana native) retired to Kalispell in 2010. Dave absolutely loved living in Montana, and he was actively engaged with the Kalispell Lions Club for the past several years.
Dave was committed to supporting other veterans and community members, as he sought to honor and serve others.
Most importantly, Dave was a devout Christian, and attended the Glacier Church of Christ in Columbia Falls for many years prior to his passing, where he led singing for the congregation. Dave’s loved ones are comforted knowing he is celebrating in heaven, and they will be reunited with him one day.
“Papa Dave,” also lovingly nicknamed “Old Sprout,” was a jokester until his final day. He brought joy to thousands with his music, laughter to everyone who met him, and provided constant comic relief and lots of love to his family. He even brought the magic of Christmas and put smiles on the faces of thousands of children over the past seven years as “Santa” in malls in Arkansas, Wyoming and Montana. He will be deeply and genuinely missed.
Dave’s memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 23, at 2 p.m. at the Glacier Church of Christ in Columbia Falls. All who would like to pay their respects are welcome to attend. Dave’s service will also be livestreamed on the Glacier Church of Christ Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made directly to the Kalispell Lions Club or the Flathead Marines, in Dave’s name, for any who wish to do so.