David Warren Buchholz

David W. Buchholz, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and retired United States Navy Chief, passed away on April 17, 2026, following a tragic off-roading accident. He was 61 years old. He spent his final day the way he lived many others—helping his children, surrounded by family, and doing what he loved.

David was born on July 10, 1964, in California and spent his childhood between Germany and Kentucky before settling in Minnesota. There, he began his career as a tractor mechanic and machinist. At age 26, he made the decision to see the world and enlisted in the United States Navy. He served with pride for over 20 years as a submariner during and following the Cold War, rising to the rank of Chief and working as a Fire Control Technician (FTC). He was deeply committed to his sailors and the submarine community, and he carried that pride with him throughout his life.

On March 31, 2001, David married his wife, Monica, beginning a partnership rooted in family, devotion, and shared adventure. Together, they built a life filled with projects, travel, and time outdoors.

David was a builder and a teacher at heart. His workshop was a place where knowledge was passed down and shared freely. He rebuilt a 1977 yellow Ford truck with his daughter Nikei and spent countless hours working alongside his son Jarod, whose mechanical ability was one of his greatest sources of pride. He was always ready to help—whether fixing his daughter Faith’s first truck, a 1985 GMC Jimmy twin to his previously owned 1991 Chevy Blazer, or working on cars with Ally, where time together mattered more than getting everything exactly right.

He loved making sure his children and grandchildren knew how things worked, how to fish, how to fix, and how to keep trying. He adored his grandchildren, Freya and Braxton, and especially loved sharing his interests with them, from machines and monster trucks to movies and anything involving engines. He was excited about his growing family and was looking forward to more grandchildren in the future. He believed that everyone should smile at babies, so they grow up knowing that people are good.

In retirement, David embraced the outdoors and the projects he loved. He and his wife spent time camping in their RV, fishing from kayaks, and flying kites along the Washington coast. He loved watching elk at Dosewallips, tending to his garden and greenhouse, and maintaining his hydroponics system filled with thousands of goldfish. He had a lifelong love of mechanics and machines, and even as a child enjoyed ice racing.

He also appreciated quieter moments—watching movies with his wife and granddaughter, Freya, reality television, and science fiction, listening to classic rock, and taking well-earned naps. His favorite color was safety orange, a fitting reflection of his bold and practical nature.

Above all, David will be remembered for his generosity, his curiosity, and the way he showed up for his family. He made sure the people he loved were capable, confident, and never alone in figuring things out. His favorite mottos were “No children should go hungry,” “That’s a non-issue,” and “Go forth and do great things.”

His last words were “Tell them I loved them all,” which was his life's greatest achievement, children whom he loved fiercely and who loved him the same.

He is survived by his wife, Monica Buchholz of Coyle, Washington; his children, Nikei Eldridge (Vince Eldridge) of Silverdale, Washington, Allison Buchholz (Troy Crowther) of Moses Lake, Washington, Jarod Buchholz (Adriana Wright) of Coyle, Washington, and Faith Buchholz (Brandon Roberts) of Norfolk, Virginia; his grandchildren, Freya Eldridge and Juniper Eldridge, daughters of Nikei Eldridge, and Braxton Buchholz, son of Jarod Buchholz; his parents, Dave and Lynn Buchholz of Chamberlain, Minnesota; his sisters, Lyze (Mr. Lee) of USA, Amber (Greg Kropp) of Minnesota, and Tina (Ted Woden) of Minnesota; and his nieces and nephew, Brenna-Anne, Daniel, and Lauren.