May 5, 2004 — July 5, 2025
David Wayne Raak, beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, and grandson, passed away tragically after being struck by an SUV that crossed the center line while riding his motorcycle on July 5th, 2025. He was 21 years old.
A memorial service was held on July 19, 2025, at McCabe United Methodist Church, Bismarck. Visitation was held at the Bismarck Funeral Home on Friday, July 18.
David was born on May 5, 2004, in Sioux City IA to Danel Ann Jacobs-Raak and Daniel Wayne Raak. He also lived in Sioux Falls, SD, for a short time before completing his school years in Bismarck ND, graduating from Legacy High School in 2023.
David was a quiet child, often humming the theme songs to cartoons he preferred or requesting items through sign language. He was inquisitive, always wanting to learn more about history, nature & science. David was always extremely cautious; rides at the park were surveyed for safety, and if his siblings survived several rides, maybe before closing time he would give it a go. Teachers would comment that he was a bright student that was often caught daydreaming. School years were good, but he didn’t set out to be an “overachiever”; he just knew how much he needed to do, leaving him time for personal interests. David was detailed and loved to draw or create. His favorite activity in Cub Scouts was derby car designing & racing. He was very particular about his clothes and liked things clean and orderly, even ironing and starching. He enjoyed cooking and the traditions of holidays.
David was an old soul who liked older country music, like “Waylon & Willy and the Boys,” or an old western or action movie featuring Clint Eastwood. He loved to find an old series and watch it all the way through, like Seinfeld, The Office or The Sopranos. Tradition and family values meant a lot to him. Making his grandparents proud and spending time with them meant so much to him, and he wanted to preserve as much as he could. He enjoyed anything his younger brother and he could do together. He did stats and position fill-in for Andrew’s basketball team, the Wolves. They were family to him. There was a lot of friendly banter, and as one friend said, David was always willing to engage in debate. Driveway ball games would go on for hours, followed by food and gaming. When the guys wanted to do something, they would tell their parents, “It’ll be ok… David’s going.” David enjoyed fishing & hunting and the process of making sausage with family & friends, and the socializing involved in it. David liked sports statistics and, again, loved to debate opinions on who was the best in the league or who was the “GOAT.”
David had worked as a ranch hand and general laborer for a close family friend and learned many skills he enjoyed touting his knowledge about. He was always willing to be the “foreman” for projects he accepted for himself and Andrew. Whether it be refinishing a boat or putting up backsplash in the kitchen. His impeccable style and taste in clothing carried over to sales at the Boot Barn. He loved quality and rare items, from Blue Mason Jars to Cars and Harley Davidsons.
He liked tinkering at the shop he designed for his dad, detailing cars and bikes, playing pool, and admiring the “toys.” Together they took rides and enjoyed the countryside and beautiful stops along the way. The accident occurred while returning from a weekend trip to La Crosse, WI.
David was a much-loved uncle to Safira & Xander. He helped his sister with her children any way he could, including moving to be closer to them. He was fun and loving yet wasn’t afraid to apply some rules also.
He was a gentleman through and through, opening car doors for ladies, and didn’t want to date until he could treat a lady right. When he met Kyla Hudelson, he said, “Mom, you know this is what I always wanted”– a best friend and love of his life. They were excited for a future together, raising a family of Christian faith. Because of David’s caring and loving nature, he would have been a wonderful father & husband.
David was attending Iowa Lakes Community College, in Okoboji IA, while working at his father’s accounting firm. He had planned on studying accounting at Northwestern College, Orange City, IA. David aspired to be a CPA and take over the accounting firm.
David is survived by his parents, Danel Ann Jacobs of Bismarck, ND, Daniel Wayne Raak of Spirit Lake, IA; siblings, Sarah Raak of Lake Park, IA, and Andrew Raak Bismarck, ND; niece, Safira, and nephew, Xander; grandparents, Alton & Leona (Emmil) Jacobs of Bismarck, ND; aunts & uncles, Dion & Bonnie (Kohler) Jacobs of Bismarck, ND, Oran & Sandy (Bjerke) Jacobs of Rapid City, SD, and Tami (Raak) & Mike Wesselink of Worthington, MN; cousins, Jessica Jacobs of Portland OR, Blaine Jacobs of Wilton ND, Tyler Jacobs of Bismarck, ND, Lyndsey Jacobs of Highlands Ranch, CO, Eric & Rae (Westbrook) Jacobs of Lakewood CO, and Alyson (Wesselink) & Tim Bentz, Matthew Wesselink of Sioux Falls, SD.
David was preceded in death by grandparents, Ken & Arthea Raak of Worthington, MN.
