David Hugh Jones, age 80, died peacefully at home on August 23, 2018 in Eyota. He was recently diagnosed with AML Leukemia.

David was born on October 12, 1937 in Cresco, IA to Ludwell and Mary Jones. He grew up on the family farm in Bristol Township. He attended country school for eight years. He rode his horse to school every day for over two miles. He attended Harmony High School graduating in 1956. He then attended Rochester Junior College, graduating with a business degree. Dave married his high school sweetheart, G. Elaine Fishbaugher in March of 1958. Together they raised two children who survive, Rick (Connie) of Rochester and Tami Jones of Eyota. Granddaughters, Brianna (Eric) Konicek of Milwaukee, WI and Kirstin (James) Garner of Rochester; his brother, Dwight of Rochester; his sister-in-law, Marge (Merlin) Wangen of Onalaska, WI; his brother-in-law, David (Bev) Fishbaugher of Altoona, WI; and many nieces and nephews also survive him.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Stephen; an infant daughter; and his sister-in-law, Kathy Jones.

At the age of 15, his freshman year of high school, Dave had polio and spent the year at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. He successfully returned to his class, graduating in 1956.

Dave worked at St. Marys Hospital in many different areas. His retirement from Mayo was in Cardiac Surgery, as a perfusionist for over 36 years, in 1999.

Dave was an avid horseman, enjoyed many years of horse shows, trail rides, grooming trails, traveling, and camping with horses. Riding the mountains, of CO, AZ, ND, SD, WY, MO, MT, TN, IA, WI, MN and many more. They packed mules, slept under the stars, and cooked all their meals, even in the rain. Dave rode in the 1989 Montana Centennial Cattle Drive. Dave organized many rides in the area, including hosting an annual ride in October from their home in Eyota, with breakfast included. It was well attended. He was honored to have had MN Governor Al Quie along for the ride. Dave helped with the annual Governor Quie rides. He was a member of the Rochester Riders Saddle Club, Masonic Lodge #21, the Scottish Rite, and the Shriners. He was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Rochester. In retirement, Dave and his wife enjoyed spending winters at Apache Junction, AZ for 19 years. He enjoyed many activities including golf, landscaping, block-watch committees, decorating the Community Clubhouse for the holidays, attending Thursday men's coffee and playing dominos.

The Memorial Service for David will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church in Rochester. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday evening, August 27, 2018 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the memorial service at the church. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to First Presbyterian Church of Rochester, Ronald McDonald House, or donor's choice.