David Dorsett

David Dorsett, 89, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Central Church in Milbank, SD. Visitation will be held at Mundwiler Funeral Home on Sunday, December 28, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will close with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Monday, one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Milbank City Cemetery in Milbank and Pastor Melanie Reiners will officiate.

David Roger Dorsett’s life began on December 31, 1935, in the warmth of his family’s farm home in Blooming Valley Township, Grant County, SD, and concluded on December 18, 2025, at the St William’s Care Center. Born to Sherman and Mamie (Narem) Dorsett, David grew up surrounded by the values of hard work, faith, and family.

He attended country school for eight years, where education was a family affair. His sisters, Inez and Mildred, along with his cousin, Helen (Dorsett) Kampen, were among his teachers. After graduating from Waubay High School in 1953, David answered the call to serve his country. From 1956 to 1958, he proudly served in the U.S. Army, spending 19 months in Europe, and later, continued his service in the Army National Guard. His dedication to learning carried him forward, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern State University in 1962. He later achieved the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation in 1976, and became a teacher in this program.

It was during his college years that David met the love of his life, Marilyn Maier. The two were married on September 3, 1961, beginning a partnership that would last a lifetime. Together, they built a home filled with love, faith, and devotion to family.

David’s professional journey led him into the world of insurance, where he found both success and fulfillment. After a brief time with Aberdeen Federal Savings and Loan, he and Marilyn moved to Greeley, CO, in 1963, where David began his insurance career with State Farm Insurance. He later joined Milbank Insurance Company, dedicating 25 years to various roles before accepting a position as Vice President of Underwriting at North Star Insurance in Cottonwood, MN. There, he developed the Auto Underwriting Department and worked until his retirement.

Faith was the cornerstone of David’s life. His devotion to Jesus Christ was evident in the way he lived: steadfast, active, and sincere. He served faithfully at Central Methodist Church, where he was a member of the Administrative Board for 27 years and contributed to numerous committees and commissions. Later, while living in Minnesota, David and Marilyn became members of Swan Lake Evangelical Free Church, where he served as an elder.

Beyond his work and faith, David cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. He delighted in raising his sons, Mark and Gregg, and treasured time spent together hunting, enjoying the lake, and sharing water sports. More than anything, he sought to instill in his family the values of faith, integrity, hard work, and living lives of valor.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Marilyn of Milbank, SD; his sons: Mark (Judy) of Milbank, SD; and Gregg (Andrea) of Kansas City, KS; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his brother, Dr. Maurice Dorsett of Aberdeen, SD.

David was preceded in death by his parents: Sherman and Mamie; and sisters: Inez Halby and Mildred Mallery.

David’s life was one of service, faith, and love, a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.