David "Tater" Safranski

David “Tater” Safranski, local legend, troublemaker, jokester, and beloved Argylian, died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 23, 2023, in Mahnomen, MN, after a day spent with his family.

David John entered this world kicking and screaming on October 12, 1960, the only son of John and Judy (Lafond) Safranski. He had five sisters as well, but was the prince of the homestead and embraced being the only son. He was nicknamed “Tater” as a boy due to his constant presence in the Safranski Bros' potato warehouse. Now, despite the tender nurturing care of his mother (which he treasured his whole life), Tater grew up tough. His love of life led him to search out all sorts of mischief and even once win a station wagon in a game of pool- as well as many other stories best left for another time...

Through a series of happy accidents, Tater found himself the perfect wife, one who enjoyed his sense of humor, and together they had and raised four equally-perfect children in whose lives he played a very active role. They were married on June 15, 1985, and he and Brenda (nee. Counter) made their home in Argyle where they lived the next forty years. Over those years, Tater got to watch his children grow, teach them a thing or two about farming, serve as the town cop, run Tater's Cafe, and step into his role as grandpa. “Papa” (incidentally the word for “Potato” in Spanish) continued his long streak of teaching little ones to love life while never changing a diaper. He loved his grandchildren and instilled in them the phrase, “Mean Grandma, Nice Grandpa,” with mixed results.

In 2010, Tater had an accident that led to his slowing down. He became a bit of a homebody, but enjoyed drives to check the crops as much as ever. He was advised to keep away from sweets, but still snuck out of the house with his mother for Dairy Queen. His body began to fail him, but his mind, wit, and one-liners came out as sharp as ever. And in all of it he never complained- though maybe once, about missing his John Deere 8820 combine.

Tater is survived by his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Brenda; his mother, Judy Safranski; Tater's Tots, Nick (Tina) Safranski of Argyle, Kayla (Joe) Moser of East Grand Forks, JJ (Alexy) Safranski of Grand Forks, and Carly (Logan) Lauer of Viking; ten grandchildren Hadley, Silas, and Judah Safranski, Lauren and McKinlee Moser, Tate, Lennox, Stevie, and Jett Safranski, and Tommie Lauer; five sisters, Pam (Lynn) Sundby, Peggy (Wayne) Feuillerat, Patty (Terry) Sundby, Penni (Travis) Anderson, and Paula (Ryan) Anderson; and too many nieces and nephews to count.

He was preceded in death by his father, John.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 10:30 AM, in St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Argyle, MN.
VISITATION: Friday evening, starting at 5:00 PM, with a Prayer Service at 6:30 PM, in St. Rose, Argyle; and one hour prior to Mass.
INTERMENT: St. Rose Catholic Cemetery, Argyle, MN.