David was born in Kenmare, North Dakota on May 21, 1943 to Clarence and Maude Moen. David spent his childhood growing up in Kenmare with his sister Jeannine, brother Dwight, and brother Gordy. In his teenager years, he was known for working on and tricking out cars. Young men in Kenmare would come to his dad, Clarence, and Uncle Ralph’s shop where he worked; they would ask for him specificity to work on their cars. Rumor has it he did a little racing on the streets of Kenmare as well.
At the age of 18 in 1961, David enlisted in the US Army where he spent much of his time in South Korea as an auto mechanic. After returning from his service in the Army in the fall of 1964, David returned to finish school at the North Dakota State School of Science where he met Irene Dronen. They were married June 1965 in North Dakota. They lived in Cheney, Spokane, and Yakima, Washington before moving to Aiea, Hawaii and later to San Jose, California. In 1978 they moved to Salem, Oregon. Irene and David later divorced but, remained friends for many years.
David worked for many insurance companies including Viking now Sentry Insurances where he made a great many friends. It was there that he met his second wife Barbara who he married in July 1981. They had 3 children who he could not love or be more proud of, Heather 06/13/1983, Holly 01/23/1985, and Mitchell 03/02/1987. He knew they were each different but talented in their careers. Heather in the medical field, Holly’s military service, and Mitchell’s abilities as an electrician/contractor. Many friends, family, and nurses had to listen to David brag about his kids.
In 1986, David purchased Capital Insurance Center where he would spend the remainder of his working career as owner or part owner. It was there that he made a great many friends who spoke very highly of him as their boss and friend. During his time in the insurance industry, David would spend time on many boards in different positions, but those who know him know his two most important times spent on boards were: his time spent as the president of the Highland parent-teacher committee at Highland Elementary, and President of the Northwood’s Association. He retired in 2001 from the Insurance Industry.
Barbara and David divorced in 2001. Shortly after he met Gail Ann Wooldridge. He would spend the better part of the next 20 years having fun, showing Gail’s art at art shows, remodeling houses, and spending time with their mixed families. He loved and was known for spending time in his shop working on projects and remodeling houses, and for his love of cars and trucks. He was known as the "jack of all trades, master of none." He also loved spending time in the outdoors at his cousins' ranch in Eastern Oregon or his beloved cabin at the Northwoods, where, no surprise, he made more friends, boating, four wheeling, boating, snowmobiling, adventuring, and hunting.
David is preceded in death by his father Clarence, mother Maude, sister Jeannine, brother Dwight, brother Gordy, many aunts and uncles, and Martin Wooldridge, who he considered a son. He leaves behind his eldest daughter Heather Moen, middle daughter Holly (Justen Morley) Moen, son Mitchell Moen, love of his life Gail Ann Wooldridge, her daughter Cassandra (Jason) Campbell (children Luella and Henry), Gail Ann’s eldest son David (Pamela Pitts) Wooldridge (child Kory), and Martin's daughters Jessica, Magen and Abigail. He also leaves behinds many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life for David will be held Saturday, November 23, 2019 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors, 1350 Commercial Street SE, Salem, OR 97302.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation and/or Huntington's Disease Foundation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hed-fh.com for the Moen family.
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