David Earl Emiliusen, Sr., 59, of Mesa, Arizona, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, at Chandler Regional Hospital.

David was born April 26, 1955, in Austin, Minnesota, to the late Earl and Betty Jean Emiliusen. He was a hardworking man, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend that would do anything possible to lend a helping hand to someone in need. David was a man of strong Catholic faith. He loved hunting, fishing, and spending as much time as possible with his family. He was a charming, witty man who had an endearing smile that could light up a room. David joined the U.S Navy Seabees in 1973, and while stationed in Okinawa, Japan, in 1976, he met and later married his beloved wife Theresita (Tess). David retired from the United States Navy as a Seabee after 21 years of service. David and his family moved to Mesa, Arizona, where he started employment with Kett Engineering (GM). While working full time and supporting his family, he diligently attended college at Arizona State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. He later began working for Alan Ritchey, Inc. as a semi-truck driver transporting mail for the United States Post Office. From there he went on to work for the Department of Homeland Security (ICE) as an armed driver for Florence Prison Asset Protection and Security Services.

David is survived by his wife, Theresita (Tess); his three children: Carmela L. Gadd and husband Silas of Chandler; son, David Earl Jr. of Mesa.; daughter, Katherine of Mesa; one sister April George and fiancé Curt Nelson of Brownsdale, Minnesota; five brothers: Neal Emiliusen and wife Ronda of Waukesha, Wisconsin, Randy Emiliusen and wife Judy of Austin, Minnesota, Dennis Emiliusen of Austin, Minnesota, Keith Emiliusen of Austin, Minnesota, Kerry Emiliusen and wife Lisa of Keller, Texas; three precious grandchildren: Silas Jr., Elizabeth, and Sarah; and many close friends.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2015, with the Rosary recited at 7 p.m. at Queen of Heaven, Catholic Mortuary, 1562 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa. Mass of the Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1730 W. Guadalupe Rd., Mesa. Interment will follow at the National Memorial Cemetery, Phoenix. Condolences can be made at queenofheavencatholicmortuary.com. Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Catholic Mortuary, Mesa.