David J DeMott

David DeMott, 72, of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away on November 3, 2025. He was born on July 7, 1953, in Santa Ana, California, and grew up as a “PK” (preacher’s kid) in an Air Force family, experiencing a life of travel, discipline, and deep community connection. Growing up, he lived in Santa Ana, California; Japan; Germany; Sumter, South Carolina; San Antonio, Texas; Grand Forks, North Dakota; and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

David and Marijo’s love story started when they met as teenagers - David was just 14 years old. They married in 1972 and shared over five decades together, beginning their life as a young couple in Cheyenne, Wyoming, building a home filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

David began his career working as a toy department manager in Cheyenne. When the company transferred them to Orem, Utah, they welcomed their first daughter, April, in 1974. Shortly after, they moved to Marijo’s hometown of Grand Forks, North Dakota, where their second daughter, Tami, was born in 1977. While in Grand Forks, David served as the church council president at University Lutheran from 1978 to 1979, demonstrating his dedication to faith and community service.

In 1980, the family moved to Bismarck, North Dakota, where David leased the city’s airport. With the help of his wife Marijo, he ran the airport restaurant, lounge, and airplane catering, creating a place where not only travelers but many members of the community came to eat and enjoy each other’s company. His warm hospitality and welcoming spirit made the space a beloved local gathering spot.

From 2000 to 2008, David worked for River City Sports, continuing to serve the community and share his enthusiasm for sports and recreation. In 2008, he began working as a financial officer for Puklich Chevrolet, where he remained until his retirement in 2020.

David was an Eagle Scout and had a lifelong love of the outdoors. He was an avid upland game and deer hunter and enjoyed trips to Colorado to hunt elk. He loved snowmobiling across Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado with friends, and was an enthusiastic fisherman, often visiting some of his favorite spots at Big Turtle Lake, Minnesota, and Lake Sakakawea. He also loved horses, competing in cutting horse competitions, and later became a respected cutting horse judge. David had a zest for adventure, including water skiing—even once taking a memorable run in extremely cold weather, fully dressed in pants and a sweater.

David’s grandchildren were a huge joy to him, and he treasured the time he spent with Kyndra DeMott and her fiancé Logan Maier, Madisyn Bargmann and her husband Andy, Austin Skager-DeMott and his wife Krystal, and Emma DeMott. He also cherished his great-grandchildren Myles Bargmann, Brooklyn Bargmann, and Stiles Skager.

He is survived by his wife, Marijo; daughters April and Tami and her husband Dustin; grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

David will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His warmth, humor, generosity, and passion for life left a lasting mark on his family, friends, and community.

A service to celebrate David’s life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, ND. Family will greet guests one hour prior to the service.