David Kajer

David Shawn Kajer was born in New Prague, Minnesota, on January 26, 1964, to Tom Kajer and Madelyn (Saverino) Kajer. After his father’s divorce and remarriage, he was legally adopted by Lisa Brooker Kajer in 1977. David spent most of his younger years in Staples Minnesota where he enjoyed working on the family’s farm (raising pumpkins and squash), riding bike and learning how to wrestle. When his parents joined a foreign aide project in 1982, he stayed in Staples for his senior year with the Don and Mary Dravis family. He graduated co-valedictorian and attended NDSU to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. When he graduated, he became the manager at the Sioux Falls branch of Western/Allied Building Products. He loved developing quotes but hated doing collections! 

David’s hobbies included fitness and strength training, canoeing the Crow Wing River, riding motorcycles, running, tennis and hiking. He loved scuba diving and completed his diving certification in Sri Lanka. However, his favorite sport was wrestling, which he enjoyed during high school and was a member of the state wrestling champions in 1981. 

He married the love of his life, Wendy Hom, in 1989. David and Wendy had three wonderful children: Josh, Jordyn and Jaden. David enjoyed hiking with Josh on Superstition Mountain, and eagerly encouraged him when he sold Boys Scout popcorn. He was always proud of Jordyn’s academic diligence and success, and loved watching her play softball. He was supportive and smiling when he watched Jaden’s skate and snowboarding YouTube videos and enjoyed watching him play baseball. 

In 1999, David was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis which changed his life, and began his long battle with the disease. He moved back to Staples in 2021, following his divorce. While he was able he enjoyed time at the family cabin, trike rides to Dower Lake, and canoe trips. As he became less mobile, he enjoyed his favorite shows, visits from friends and family, and his hardy laugh was contagious to all who cared for him. 

He is survived by his father, Thomas Kajer; his mother, Lisa Kajer; his biological mother, Madelyn (Gary) Verhaeghe; his brothers, Jason (Adoree) Kajer, and Philip (Dawn) Verhaeghe; his sisters, Kristin (Ken) Kajer-Cline, Tanyele (John Fuchs) Kajer, and Margaret (Tony Sheppard) Pearson; his children, Joshua (Ellie) Kajer, Jordyn Kajer, and Jaden Kajer; and his grandson, Dawson Kajer; Wendy Hom Kajer, and many nieces and nephews. David is preceded in death by his grandparents, his cousin Dan Kajer, and his aunt, Sister Kathleen Kajer. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday August 20, 2026 at 11:00am at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples with Pastor Robert Drake officiating. There will be a visitation held beginning at 10:00am. Lunch will be served following the service at the church.