David J. O’Rourke, age 87, died Sunday, June 7, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones after a brief illness at United Hospital District – Blue Earth. He was an early riser, enjoying teasing family members who wanted to sleep in on the weekends—so it was fitting he was up with the birds when he left this earthly home. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 4:00-7:00pm at Nasinec Funeral Home and will resume one hour prior (9:30-10:30am) to the service at church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30am, Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Easton, MN. Father Peter Klein will be officiating, and burial will follow at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic cemetery.
David James was born September 24th, 1938 to Jim and Thelma (Hubbard) O’Rourke on the family farm of Walnut Lake Township. He grew up on the farm with his brothers and sisters who included older siblings Pat and Carol and younger siblings Tim and Brigid. He first attended school at the local country “Pink School House”, then St. Casimir’s and graduated from Wells High School the class of 1956. He started farming right out of high school as his own dad had passed away when David was a teenager.
David and Mary Helen were married February 20th, 1971 and raised their five kids on that same farm near Walnut Lake. He raised corn, soybeans on the land and especially loved feeding beef cattle. He lived his whole life on the farm that had been in the family since 1894.
Dave and Mary Helen were blessed with six grandchildren; they loved to spend time with talking, sharing great food, watching sports and attending school programs. They are Sam (23) and James Martin(21) , Evan (21), Griffin (20) and Logan Kate Miller(16), Lucia Vellutini (13).
Dave had lots of interests outside of farming. He loved being a Catholic and found much peace in praying the Rosary and attending Mass. He enjoyed traveling with Mary Helen, the Twins, daily naps, and ice cream whenever possible. He was Mary Helen’s chief caregiver and took great care in making sure their home was as accessible as possible and that she never missed out on key church, community and family events. In his retirement years, he raised his own popcorn and shared it with hundreds of people.
He is proceeded in death by his wife, Mary Helen (2023), his parents, siblings Carol and Pat, lots of friends and several farm dogs (Gus, Rudy, Billcoe, Jake, and Ginger).
Dave is survived by his children: Jennifer (Ken Martin) of Eagan, MN, Chuck of Eagan, MN, Katie (Mark Miller) of Victoria, MN, Brian (Christine Keo) of Eden Prairie, MN and Nellie (Alan Vellutini) of Bend, OR; 6 grandchildren; his brother Tim O’Rourke, sister Brigid O’Rourke and several nieces and nephews on both the Schimek and O’Rourke sides who greatly admired their Aunt and Uncle. Dave was friends with many; local farm families, cattle buyers out West, his Farming of Yesteryear festival crew, and even his coffee club Lutherans from Bricelyn and Kiester.
Dave was a wonderful farm neighbor who brought laughter and joy wherever he went. My condolences and care go out to the O’Rourkes.
Mary Helen was a lifetime friend to me and through her I got to know Dave well. I always enjoyed their visits, dinners at the Hubbell House, and shared farm stories. After Mary Helens death he did keep in touch with Denny and I. Our condolences to the entire family.
Passing along my personal condolences to Dave & Mary Helen’s family and the James O’Rourke’s family my sincere best. I was Dave’s 2d cousin and a classmate of Mary Helen ‘s at OLMC & Wells-Easton HS (class of ‘61). I’ve spent my life as a US intelligence officer, so my contact was mostly with Mary Helen at periodic HS reunions. I live in MD with my wife of 60 years.
Sympathies to the O’Rourke family. David was a customer at Edwards Mfg over the years. He was always willing to engage in conversation and to educate us on a topic he would have knowledge of. We have been recipients of many containers of popcorn over the years. What a special treat! We will miss him stopping by. Peace to all.
I grew up on a farm close to the O’Rourke farm and we used to hang out together with other kids in the neighborhood. Some of the neighborhood group included Dick McCarrick, Dan Doyle,Geke Warmka, Ray and Roger Cory and Johnny Hubbard. We were all in the same or one grade apart. I am a year younger. Dave went to OLMC for at least the ninth grade. The pastor, Fr. Snyder bought a bunch of football equipment and formed a junior high football team. Dave was the starting center. I, at half his size was backup. We had a lot of big tough farm kids on the team. We played Waseca, Owattonna and Austin Catholic school teams. I think the team was undefeated that first year. He also was the center on the Wells team. Incidentally,Dave’s nickname was Spud back in those days. I live in Rochester NY but visit Minnesota frequently and stopped to see Dave many years ago. I recall he and Mary Helen had just returned from a trip to Ireland. I have a lot of great memories of those days and Dave in particular. I think I am related to Mary Helen but don’t recall the details.
Sending lots of thoughts and prayers to you all!! David was a good visitor in the neighborhood! Rest in peace!
I sure enjoyed getting to know Dave when I babysat the children back in the late 70’s and early 80’s! He was always happy to visit and loved to tease.
Dave was one of the sweetest men I knew. He had such love for Mary Hellen and all of you! Always spoke of you kids with such pride. They’re back together again. You just couldn’t say one of their names without the other. Just always Dave and Mary Helen! 💕💕💕 You’re all in my prayers for comfort.
So sorry for your loss he was always a treat to help at the post office usually had a good visit with him, and yes he even brought me popcorn a couple times! He will be greatly missed. Prayers for all of you.
We had great conversations down at Goemann’s Station. I will miss your weekly visits.
Such a wonderful picture of your dad. Don and I were friends bonded by our kids especially Mike and Chuck. Our times together in the nursing home when MaryHelen and Don were in there we shared many laughs and of course Dave and Don shared so many memories and laughed so hard… what a joy. He will be missed by many…. Love to you all💕
My sympathies to you, the O Rourke family at the passing of Dave. He and Mary Helen were such good family friends over the years. Dave and Howie shared many a cup of coffee and conversation at the Brush Creek Store. So many happy memories as we raised our families and shared meals over the years. I especially remember the time they drove to Texas to spend time with us in Sun City, TX. Sending you love and prayers for comfort and peace at this time.
Your Dad Will Be Greatly Missed,, Especially His Huge Smile ‼️
We were Lucky To Enjoy Some of His Homegrown Popcorn ‼️
Now David is with Mary Helen in their Heavenly Home.. All Is Good‼️ You kids have 2 Wonderful Angels Smiling Down On You 💞
I send my love and sympathy to Dave & Mary Helen’s kids and all the O’Rourke family. My thoughts and prayers were with you this morning through Dave’s funeral.
It was my greatest honor to meet you and care for your sweet dad. I am thinking of you all and holding you up in prayers.
Tim, I am so sorry to read of your brother Dave’s passing. My dad and uncle rented a piece of farmland from the O’Rourkes when I was a kid and I tagged along with my dad to their farm to pay the rent. A farm on Walnut Lake—wonderful! Condolences to you and the rest of the O’Rourke family.
So sorry for your loss. Condolences.