Dave Robert Segler, known affectionately by the monikers of “Sherpa” or “Zep”, was born on February 25, 1969 in Brainerd, MN. Dave resided in the home he built overlooking White Iron Lake in Ely, MN for the past 23 years. After an arduous battle with an incurable lung disease, Dave passed away at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, MN at 6:13 a.m. on April 23, 2024 at the age of 55.

A private family memorial service will be held at the Ely Gospel Church.

He is survived by his sons Chaunzi and Nowah Segler, Brandon Villnow and Ezekiel Meskill; daughter Briana Nelson; two grandsons Avery and Wyatt; his parents Bruce and Marlene Segler; and sisters Rhonda (Brian) Sandel and Roxie (Steven) Sjogren; grandma Jean Segler and numerous other family members and loved ones.

Dave was preceded in death by his cousin Scott Derosier and Grandparents Ray Segler and Howard and Lois Derosier.

Dave made an everlasting impact on anyone that was lucky enough to have crossed his path. He was the life of the party and the light of a room. His passion was for the good times. Of which he shared many with family, friends and even complete strangers. Sure to brighten their day and make them laugh and smile all the same. As a jack-of-all-trades and master of some, his joy was found in bush-craft, camping, leather-working, and rustic carpentry. 

Dave was full of life experiences and always had a story to share, in this way, he lived many times over. Never afraid to speak his mind, he called a spade a spade. 

For Dave, there was never a shortage of hardships, but he met each one head on. Words cannot summarize who and what he was, and for those who were able to know him—we are all truly blessed.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.