Dave was born the son of Donald and Sharron (Elliot) Ehlen on March 17th, 1953, in Minnesota. He graduated from Armstrong High School, class of 1971. He earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Minnesota and his master’s degree from the University of Michigan. He also earned a technical management degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Dave married Suzanne Kessler on August 19th, 1978, at Golden Valley Lutheran Church, Golden Valley Minnesota. He had a successful career in engineering with General Motors for 44 years. Dave was a Stephen minister at St. John Lutheran Church in Rochester, active in the Birmingham Senior Men’s Club, and part of the Brain Tumor Support Group.
Dave had a passion for cars, engineering, and everything it takes to make them. He enjoyed photography and finance. He loved to travel the world with his wife. Dave’s love of family, trust in God, and service to others were the fabrics of his life.
Dave is survived by his loving wife Suzanne (Kessler) Ehlen; children Steven Ehlen and Jonathan J.D. Ehlen (Niki Crusoe); parents; Donald and Sharron Ehlen; brother James (Virginia) Ehlen; brother and sister in-laws Richard Carpenter (Patricia Kessler), Robert Kessler (Jose Kosar); Michael Kessler; Michele Kessler; Deborah Kessler; James (Missy) Kessler; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Dave’s family will welcome all to a memorial gathering on Wednesday March 8th, 2023, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, located at 322 West University Drive in downtown Rochester, Michigan. A memorial service will be held on Thursday March 9th, 2023 at 11a.m. (gathering 10 a.m.) at St. John Lutheran church, located at 1011 West University Drive in Rochester joinable through livestream at https://youtube.com/live/e4YCvfOdU4g. Interment will follow at Mount Avon Cemetery.
