Sgt. David M Staab (June 18, 1984 – August 1, 2008)

A two part mission was held, August 4th and 5th in Dawson, Mn. to honor the life of Sgt. David M. Staab. David unexpectedly passed away on Friday, August 1st. Another casualty of the war.

David is survived by his parents, Mike and Cindy Staab. An infant son, Carter and Carters mother, Katie Barnum. Sisters, Katie(Randy)Nelson, MaryBeth (Mike) Cleveland, and several nieces and nephews.

David served a year in Iraq with Company B, 434th Main Support Battalion, and was released from active duty status in November of 2005. He had just recently been promoted to the rank of Sgt. E-5 with the 175th Forward Support Company, out of Appleton, Mn.

Funeral Arrangements were handled by the Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson, and internment was at the Catholic Cemetery in rural Dawson.

On Sunday, we received word of David’s untimely death. RC’s from Alexandria and Marshall sectors were notified and in turn, contacted Ron Mackedanz, the acting RC for the Willmar sector. Alan Peterson from the Marshall sector posted a mission on this, as Ron was not available to do so at the time. Roger Boettger, ARC out of Marshall, worked with Ron to set everything up. This was a perfect example of how the outstate sectors work so well together.

With short notice, we had seven PG riders show up at the funeral home for the wake. One of the uncles came out and said to me, “You have no idea what an impact you guys have made on this family tonight.” Alan Peterson and I went inside and paid our respects and offered our condolences to David’s mother and father.

On Tuesday morning, as always, not knowing how many riders to expect, I was very pleasantly surprised when we had nineteen registered riders on seventeen bikes. We staged in Dawson, and rode over to the church as a group. Forming our flag line in front of the church just prior to the people coming for the visitation. The church was packed, both on the main floor and in the basement with family, friends, and comrades of David’s.

When the funeral was over, we again established our flag line encircling the hearse and the Honor Guard. We had two PG riders, Roger Boettger, and Dave Mude, lead the funeral procession, while the main group of riders headed out to the cemetery and took up a flag line to honor Sgt. Staab and his family as they entered the cemetery. David was buried with full military honors. We stood our line until the last family members were in their cars and headed back to the church. I can’t imagine the impact that it must have on the family, when they look back for the last time and see their loved one being watched over by a bunch of PG riders, all standing tall and holding flags.

(@) PGR National Thread

Rest in Peace, David.

Ron Mackedanz, (acting RC, Willmar)

Thanks to Alan, Roger, Jeff, and all who helped to make this a smoothly run mission.