During his sophomore year at Gustavus, David chose to fulfill his duty to country by volunteering for service in Vietnam as part of the United States Army. For his service, he received the Army Commendation Medal.

After returning to the United States, David resumed his education at Gustavus and graduated with a degree in religion. His desire to teach at the college level led him to the prestigious University of Chicago Divinity School where he worked towards his Ph.D. in Theology. It was at this time when David married his wife Anne, whom he met in the Admissions Office at Gustavus.

Rather than continue his schooling, David and Anne settled in Eden Prairie and started their family.

They have four children:
Rachel, 22
Stephen, 20, who is entering his third year at Hillsdale College
John, 17, who will be a senior at Eden Prairie High School
Jacob, 10, who will be in fifth grade this fall

Prior to his service in the Senate, David was elected three times to be a member of the Eden Prairie School Board where he served as clerk and treasurer. He was also employed at E.A. Sween Co. (Deli Express) for 22 years where he served in several capacities including Director of Forecasting and Logistics.

Currently, David is an independent consultant as well as the President of Parents for Accountable Schools which is a non-profit organization that seeks to reform our public school system. He also serves on the Board of Directors at the Hiawatha Leadership Academy which is a Charter School in Minneapolis.