David Ward Rautio

(ST. GEORGE, Utah) - It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the death of David Ward Rautio on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2019, following a courageous, year-long battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 73.

David was born on Aug. 19, 1946. He spent his early years in Hurley, Wis., graduating from J.E. Murphy High School in 1964. Upon graduation, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Judith Franzoi. They raised three children, a daughter, Nadine; and two sons, David Jr. and Scott.

Over the years, David had careers in banking, construction, health care and the casino industries. He and his family have lived in Wisconsin, Illinois, Nevada and Utah.

An avid master craftsman and consummate builder and renovator, Dave left his unique signature on each house he and the family lived in from screened-in decks to beautiful custom cabinetry and a stunning handcrafted grandfather clock. He could always be counted on to pitch in, showing up to your project with hammer and nails in hand at a moment's notice.

In his later years, he turned to gardening, most recently creating an outdoor oasis in his backyard at his retirement home in St. George. You could always be sure that a visit there would include a tour of his latest, new addition with a special emphasis on his pride and joy, his cactus garden, outdoor waterfall and his exotic fish aquarium.

David was predeceased in death by his father, David.

He is survived by his mother, Irene; his loving wife, Judy; and their three children, Nadine Brockman (Tom), Davey and Scott (Margaret). He was the proud grandfather to Jessica, Erin, Alex, Jack, Brittney, Garry and Drew; and great-grandfather to Reya and Ellie. He is also survived by his sisters: Marnie (Larry, deceased), Candace (Chris), Corrin (Bob), Georgia (Mike, deceased) and Karen (Dave, deceased); and his many nieces and nephews who will sadly miss their prank-pulling, joke-loving uncle.

A celebration of David's life will be held at a future date.