David Jesse Pickett, age 75, of Rochester, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. He was born in 1941 in Mt. Zion, WI to Merritt and Marie (Glessner) Pickett. Dave married the love his his life, Catherine Reichow of Milwaukee, WI. He received a bachelors of science from the University of Wisconsin at Platteville and a masters degree in engineering from Texas A & M University. After 35 years of service, always striving for excellence, Dave retired from mn/DOT as District Traffic Engineer in Duluth.

Dave enjoyed a happy life traveling, fishing, hunting, visiting friends; and he especially loved spending time with his immediate and extended family. He was known for joyfully sharing his knowledge about life, and caring for others. He spent many years helping their daughter during her struggles with cancer.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, sister, niece, grandnephews, and two beloved children, Todd Pickett and Eve Friedli.

He is survived by his wife Catherine; son Mike (Heather) Pickett; son-in-law Roger Friedli; and grandchildren, Zack Friedli, Sarah Friedli, Will Pickett and Holly Pickett.

His family would like to thank the staff of Seasons Hospice for their kindness and professionalism during his last days. Dave requested that his body be donated to Mayo Clinic for the advancement of science.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at Good Shepherd Church, 559 20th Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment at a later date in Union Hill Cemetery, Mt. Zion, WI.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials donated to your favorite outdoor youth program.