David Thomas Gwost

David T. Gwost, 87 year-old resident of Little Falls, MN, died Monday, December 13, 2010 at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, December 18, 2010 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieski, MN. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. Friday, December 17, 2010 at Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls and at the church on Saturday from 9:00 - 10:30 A.M. There will be a parish prayer service at 5:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home followed by Knights of Columbus Office of the Dead at 6:30 P.M. Dave was born David Thomas Gwosdz on May 20, 1923 in Swan River Township, Morrison County, Minnesota to the late John and Victoria (Dziedzic) Gwosdz. He grew up on a farm in Swan River Township and attended St. Stanislaus Catholic School through the eighth grade. Dave farmed with his father until his marriage to Helen Rossa on June 20, 1945. The couple made their home west of Sobieski where they farmed until 1956. Dave then went to work at Crestliner Boats in Little Falls until his retirement in 1981. In 2003, he moved to Little Falls. Music was a big part of his life. He purchased his first trumpet at the age of ten. At age 12, he joined the Little Falls City Band which received two Grand Champion Awards at the Minnesota State Fair. Dave played in many dance bands including his own, the Dave-Willie Orchestra, Dave's Serenaders, and the Dave Gwost Band. He also shared his musical talents in the church choir for many years. Other activities he was involved in include serving as treasurer for the City of Sobieski, playing Taps at military graveside services and Memorial Day ceremonies, and organizing music for Sobieski Polish Day. Besides music, Dave enjoyed playing Smear, other card games, and family gatherings. He also had a great sense of humor. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Barb (Joe) Yourczek of Eagan, MN, Carol (Jerry) Posch of Buckman, MN, Tom (Diane) Gwost of Savage, MN, Mary (Bob) Sitzman of Little Falls, MN, Theresa (Marvin) Welinski of Plymouth, MN, Lisa (Tom) Hubbard of Chippewa Falls, WI, and Jenny (David) Gross of Cottage Grove, MN; siblings, Rose Ringwelski of Center Line, MI and Esther Stanek of Little Falls, MN; 21 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, and sisters-in-law, Vangie Gwost of Little Falls, MN, Doris Gwost of Little Falls, MN, and Theresa Gwost of Lansing, MI. Dave was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen (Rossa) Gwost (November 20, 1993); grandson, Michael Sitzman; sisters, Louise Lashinski, Mary Cieminski, Teckla Gardner, and brothers, Frank, John, Joseph, Andrew, George, Walter, and Edward Gwost.