David “Dave” Wayne Campbell, 67, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 24th, 2026, following a battle with cancer.

Dave was born on February 2, 1959, in Hawkins, Wisconsin, to Charles and Marian Campbell. He grew up in Hawkins and Ladysmith area with his twin sister, Barbara (Charles), his brother, Paul and his sister, Susan. He graduated from Ladysmith High School in 1977.

On August 19, 1978, Dave married the love of his life, Melonee Smith. Together, they built a life and a home in Ladysmith, where they raised their four sons. Dave worked his entire adult life for Weather Shield, retiring as a team leader in March of 2022. He was respected for his leadership skills, fairness and ingenuity at work. During his career at Weather Shield, he made many life long friends that continued to pour into his life even after he moved. Dave and Melonee then moved to Hot Springs, South Dakota, allowing him to finally pursue his lifelong dream of living in the West. While living in South Dakota, he enjoyed being semi-retired while still working for his son, Patrick. He enjoyed many hunts with his kids and grandkids during that time. He also enjoyed frequent family time and traveling during those years.

Dave had a remarkable love and gift for animals, something that began with his childhood on the farm. He seemed to understand animals in a way that few people could. Dave would often say that he loved animals more than people, but those who knew him best knew he had a heart for people, too. He was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it.

Dave experienced a profound change in his life when he found his faith in Jesus. The man he had once been gave way to a heart softened by grace, and from that point forward, his faith became the foundation of his life. He devoted his remaining years to the Lord, striving to love others, serve his family, and live out the faith that had changed him so deeply.

Dave could talk for hours about hunting or history. He was a true jack of all trades and could fix almost anything. If he didn’t know how to do something, he’d teach himself in no time. You’d often find him with a book in one hand and a sweet treat in the other.

But perhaps Dave’s greatest legacy is the family he built. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Melonee Campbell; his four sons, William “Bill” (Reagan), Ken, Patrick (Elizabeth), and Corey (Alexandra) Campbell; and his 11 grandchildren, Chance, Madilyn “Madi”, Mika, Suzanna, Emily, Sean, Tristan, Noah, Coralie, Gemma and Barrett, whom he loved and adored beyond measure. His grandchildren brought a special kind of joy into his life, and the memories they made with their Grandpa Dave will be treasured long after he is gone.

Dave’s family extended far beyond his immediate family. He leaves behind numerous siblings-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins as well.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marian Campbell, and his nephew, Leighton.

Dave lived a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and a deep love for the world God created. He leaves behind a family who will carry his stories, his humor, his convictions, and his love with them for generations to come. His family takes comfort in knowing that Dave’s hope was in Jesus, and that this goodbye is not forever, it’s “we’ll see you in the morning!”

Memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church in Hot Springs, SD.