David Alan Schluter, 61, Phillips

David Alan Schluter, age 61, of Phillips, passed away suddenly on December 30, 2025, at Marshfield Medical Center-Park Falls. David was born on January 27, 1964, in Boulder, Colorado, the son of Gordon and Irene (Nelson) Schluter. As a boy he traveled with his family, eventually settling in Park Falls where he graduated High School. He attended UW Eau Claire and University of Arizona where he graduated with a degree in engineering.  He worked for Kohler Company in Sheboygan for a time before coming home to work with his family at St. Croix Rod, making his way up to Vice President. 

David was known for his intelligence, work ethic, and practical problem-solving skills.

In his free time, David enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, making maple syrup, and spending time outdoors working the land with his tractor. He valued self-reliance and craftsmanship and took pride in doing things well. David was on the church council at St. John Lutheran Church in Phillips and was known by family and friends as kind, reserved, and dependable. He was strong-willed, offered good advice, and lived with a quiet integrity. His legacy is one of strength, hard work, and care for those around him, especially his children whom he devoted his life to.                                    

He is survived by his children, Hunter Schluter, Megan Schluter, and Elsa Schluter; his siblings, Pam (John) Smylie of Washburn, Paul Schluter of New Mexico, Jeff (Karen) Schluter of Colorado, by his nephew and nieces; Jonathan (Bridget) Smylie, Krysta (Tim) Zell, Greta (Karl) Thomalla, and by many friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Irene Schluter.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday January 10, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Phillips. Rev. Dean Arbs will officiate.

A visitation will be held from 4:00pm – 6:00pm on Friday January 9, 2026, at Birch Street Funeral Service Chapel in Park Falls and on Saturday January 10, 2026, from 10:00am until the hour of the service at the church.

Burial will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in David’s honor can be sent to St. John Lutheran Church in Phillips.

Birch Street Funeral Service is assisting the family.