David Sol Rakstad, 26, of Poplar, MT passed away Sunday, September 4, 2011 in Poplar.
He was born on October 3, 1984, in Wolf Point to Darlyn Grainger and the late Ron “Rags” Rakstad. He attended grade school in Froid for two years, graduating in 2003 from Poplar High School. During his high school years he enjoyed high school rodeo- team roping and steer wrestling, 4¬H, football, track, wrestling and choir. He also earned a spot as a Boys State Delegate. His junior year of high school he attended the Harvard Summer Program. He then moved to Gillette WY., where he worked on the service Rigs. He later went into the Kicking Horse Job Corp in Ronan MT., where he studied heavy equipment and obtained his CDL . Following in his father’s footsteps, he enjoyed an oil field career for the last five years with Nabors Drilling. He earned the reputation of a loyal, hard working employee. He worked his way up from a floor hand to his current position as a Driller. In his spare time he enjoyed spending time with his girlfriend Krista Pearson, spending time on the ranch breaking colts, horseback riding, spending time with friends and hunting. David was always willing to lend a hand and always had a smile on his face.
He is survived by his mother, Darlyn Grainger of Poplar, MT; twin brother, Douglas (Lori) Rakstad, of Poplar; brother, Joe Rakstad of MI; uncles, Gary ( Jackie) Grainger of Poplar, Steve Grainger of Santa Fe, NM, Ken Rakstad of Gillette, WY, and Orrian ( Dorothy) Denny of Brockton. MT; aunts, Iva Grainger, Jeanne ( Karl) Reinlasoder, and Joleen Kirn all of Poplar, Chrissy ( Joe) Brand of Helena MT, Barb (Jerry) Mooney and Fran Richardson both of Billings, MT, and Helen ( Ray) Mischel of Georgia; and grandma, Blue (Gary) Kirn of Poplar.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ron “Rags” Rakstad; grandparents, Sol & Taddy Grainger, Joseph Millard & Florence Rakstad; and uncle, Mike Kirn.
A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, September 8, at the Assembly of God church in Poplar. Cremation is to follow and inurnment will take place at a later date.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Vern & Jacki Barman says
Condolances
Barb Rakstad says
I was so sorry to hear about David’s passing. Though I didn’t know him well, I knew he was a bright young man full of promise. Darlyn and Douglas, I know this is a very painful & difficult time for both of you and Douglas’ wife, and I hope you find peace and strength as time passes.
Carrie Archdale Schumacher says
Darlyn and Douglas
So sorry to hear of David’s passing. May god wrap his arms around you and Douglas to help in the days ahead. Prayers to your family.
Carla, Ken Damon says
Darlyn & Doug So sorry for the passing of David. It only seems like yesterday the boys were all hanging out at the house. We will sure miss him.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Carrie DeFoe says
Darlyn and Doug,
I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Carrie DeFoe
Billings, MT
Kathleen Ventura says
Darlyn: Sometimes life seems so hard and cruel. Especially when a loved is taken suddenly. Our prayer for you and you’re family is that you will always remember his life growing up into a wonderful, strong loving son & brother. Although a part of you is now missing, his precious memories will be forever. You did a good job raising your sons Darlyn.
Paul & Keri Furthmyre says
We are so sorry for your lose. he was the sweetest young man you could have around. prayers go out to all of you.
Griffin and Adriann Ricker says
Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you all. David was a good man and will be missed by many.
Bryce Hauge says
Condolances
Ben, Kylee & Laila Lovan says
Our prayers are with you Darlyn & Doug.
Maureen Larson says
Dear Family of David,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss and my heart and prayers go out to all of you. I remember David from when he stayed at Joel & Misty’s while recuperating from his broken neck and what a nice, pleasant young man he was. May God’s blessings be upon you all during your this sad time in your lives.
Scott, Wendy & Michael Reid says
Sorry for your loss.
Robyn Baker says
Darlyn & Doug,
I am extremely sorry for your loss. I remember David (and Doug) as 6th graders of whom I had the pleasure of teaching. I remember David as being kind, hard-working, and having a great sense of humor. He will be missed. Please accept my condolences. I will keep you in my prayers. God bless!
aj fourstar says
im soooo sorry for wat happened darlyn&doug and i hope on day we can all talk about this. you know he was my best friend and now i feel lost. he was the 1 that i can talk to about anything. there is never going to be a guy like him he was the best guy that anyone can meet. i prey for darlyn & doug and you guys are strong people
Tilli Haugen says
David was one of my favorite students, and became a good friend through the years. Please accept my deepest sympathy, I will miss this dear man. With much love,
Tilli Haugen