David Otis Faulkner

Dave was born on September 30, 1944, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Otis Rutherford Faulkner and Agnes Gudron “Aggie” (Berkeland) Faulkner. He graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1962. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of North Dakota and his Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Northern Colorado.

Dave spent his professional life in education as a middle school teacher and principal. His career took him to Great Falls, Montana; Greeley, Colorado; Fort Collins, Colorado and Juneau, Alaska. He also served as a State of Alaska Dormitory Director and Activities Director in Bethel, Alaska. He was a middle school principal for the RE-9 Highland School District in Ault, Colorado for 17 years. He said he wanted to be a school principal since he was in the 6th grade because he spent so much time in the principal’s office. Throughout his career, Dave took pride in the students he mentored and the staff he worked alongside. He also worked as a skilled drywaller throughout his life, a trade he learned during college.

On June 22, 1968, Dave married Priscilla Ann (Risdal) Faulkner. Together they built a life centered on family and friends, hard work, travel, and time spent in Alaska and North Dakota.

David is survived by his wife, Priscilla; his sister, Pamela J (Faulkner) Pariseau; his son, Jason Otis (Lydia Dawn) Faulkner; his daughter, Jill Nickole (Faulkner) Singleton; and his grandchildren Kendall Dove Faulkner, Arden Moran Faulkner, Malique Martin Singleton, and Makiya Annicka Singleton, along with many nieces and nephews and cousins. Also survived by best friends, Dennis Molstad, Dean Schroeder, Mike Danielson, Larry Wiken, Joel Miller and Fred Kachura.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Agnes Faulkner, and his sisters Mary Odenthal, Barbara Faulkner, Carol Faulkner, and Delories Dietz. Bob Evenson, another best friend, preceded him in death.

If you knew Dave, you know he wasn’t just defined by what he did—but by how he was. He was hardworking, Loyal. Someone who showed up for people. A guy who believed in doing things right and being there when it mattered. Dave’s grandson, Malique, says if he described his grandpa, he’d say he was “All American”.

Dave’s grandkids say he had a way of making simple moments fun like sitting by the cookie table at graduation and making sure he got his share, watching every item during a shopping haul from his chair when a grandchild would get his charge card, humming the Pink Panther theme song, or joking, “Did you get those jeans at a discount?” (designer jeans with holes). His playful spirit showed up at the family’s cousin camp talent show where he famously fit a pop can - and then his fist - into his mouth, leaving everyone laughing. That was Dave. Unexpected, a little wild, and completely unforgettable. He had a way of making you laugh without really trying.

And as a grandpa - well, he had that “stank attitude” — but underneath he had a really big heart. He watched every athletic event in which his grandkids participated when he was able. These grandchildren made every event memorable and happy for him.

He had his own sayings — “Uff-Da,” “yah sure,” “yah, ya betcha,” “pupcorn,” and “yellow”(when answering the phone)—and when asked how he was doing, he’d say, “Magnificent, marvelous, superb, willing and able.”

He showed love in his own way, often replying, “okay, thank you,” but in the end, he made sure his family knew how he felt when he told them he loved them.

A funeral service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Ault, Colorado, on April 25, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

A memorial service will follow in July, 2026 in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Memorial gifts may be made to the charity of your choice.

Remember Dave as a loving and faithful husband, dad, grandpa, and a loyal friend to all.

Thank you for the memories Dave.