David Babcock, age 74 of River Falls, WI, died on September 7, 2026, according to information published by Bakken Young. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judie, and is survived by his brothers Dan, Richard, and Kyle. Arrangements indicate there will be no funeral and no memorial, with interment scheduled at Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls, WI.
In a personal essay titled “David Babcock: A Tribute in Stories” co-authored by Richard Babcock and Gary Solomonson, Richard reflects on learning of his oldest brother’s passing and exploring his life through memory and technology. Richard notes that hearing the news moved him not just with grief, but with curiosity about who his brother was beyond the simple label of “Beloved Brother.”
Reflections on Technology and Family History
The essay details Richard’s use of artificial intelligence to explore public records and local sentiment regarding David in the River Falls area, noting that the community seemed to have valued him highly despite finding no record or mention of his passing on the screen. Richard describes David as a computer geek before the term was commonly used, recalling when computers were mainframes used by accountants. He shares a memory of David dropping off an early computer system and stating When I started, if they asked for your computer, they brought you a person.
Richard also shares a memory of David dropping off an initial green screen system:
This is an XT. The heads need to be parked.
Richard mentions that David was there for his youngest son when Richard couldn’t be, and that David gave his blessings easily and readily while sharing his pain only on rare occasions.
Memories and Tributes
Richard also reflects on an article written by Heather Logelin about Judie during his search.
Richard concludes that while he has his own exclusive stories about his brother, he recognizes the depth beneath them and knows that David’s friends hold their own treasures under the stories they tell about their interactions with him.
Faith and Peace
Expressing his beliefs regarding his oldest brother’s passing, Richard reflects on faith and scripture by stating, My faith tells me he is at peace and is now known fully by his Lord, Jesus Christ.
He further connects his brother’s life to biblical teaching, noting, John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” I think David exemplified the long game in regards to this verse.
Worth a look