David Wayt

David Barnt Wayt, 77, of Baxter, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, at Essentia Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center. He was born on May 26, 1948, in Roundup, Montana, to Gordon and Hilma Wayt.

David was raised in Brainerd and graduated from Brainerd High School in 1966. Shortly after graduation, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy, where he served on the USS Observation Island and USS Proteus. During his military career, he was stationed in Vallejo and Mare Island, California; Cape Canaveral, Florida; Honolulu, Hawaii; and later served in Guam. After six years of dedicated service, he was honorably discharged in 1973.

David was married in 1971 in Vallejo, California, to Susie (Melbourn) Wayt and became a father to Susie’s son, Chris. After his time in the Navy, he and his family returned to Minnesota, where David continued building a life rooted in learning and hard work, devoting his career to electronics, computers, and mechanics.

His career brought him to International Falls and Cloquet before he returned home to Brainerd. It was there that he established a long-time career at St. Joseph’s Medical Center as a facilities technician. After David and Susie divorced in 1984, he went on to study at Staples Technical College, earning a degree in robotics. That degree led to a position in Council Bluffs, Iowa. David came back to Brainerd and worked at Cragun’s Resort until he retired.

David had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the simple joys of life. He loved camping, spending time in nature, studying astronomy, keeping his mind active with trivia, and following sports—especially cheering on his beloved Minnesota Twins. He loved learning and was known for his intelligence, quick wit, and keen conversational skills.

A proud and active member of Brainerd VFW Post 1647, David volunteered faithfully at Sunday breakfasts and helped with fundraising efforts, including selling poppies to support fellow veterans. Service to others remained an important part of his life long after his time in uniform.

David is survived by his siblings: Denis Wayt of Monticello, Florida; Darrel (Judy) Wayt of Kerrville, Texas; and DeVawn (Bill) Bollinger of Baxter, Minnesota; his former wife, Susie; his son, Chris Melbourn; as well as six nieces, two nephews, two grandnieces, and three grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Hilma Wayt; his brother, Bryan Wayt; his sister, Debra Wayt; and his sister-in-law, Twila Wayt.

Military honors will be held at Camp Ripley on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. All are welcome to join David’s family at 5:00 p.m. that evening for Taco Tuesday at the Brainerd VFW, compliments of the family.

Memorials will be directed to the local Brainerd Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or Brainerd VFW Post 1647.