David Duane Setzer

Longtime Yreka resident David Duane Setzer passed away peacefully at his home on July 28, 2026 after enjoying an ice cream with his son. David was born December 2, 1941 in Coudersport, Pennsylvania to Harry and Alice (Wilburn) Setzer. He was the youngest of 13 children for the Setzer family. David graduated from high school in Pennsylvania, and afterwards he joined the United States Navy. Once enlisted, the Navy took him to San Diego, where he served as a Boatswain’s Mate, a critical part of onboard deck operations. David met and later married the love of his life, Marcia Snow, on June 11, 1965, and the young couple made their home in Southern California. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, David worked 10 years at a Big-O Tires prior to working for Kaiser Steel in Fontana as a welder. After many years with Kaiser, the steel plant closed in 1983 and the Setzer family moved to Siskiyou County. David had many hobbies in life: fishing, hunting, golfing, hot rods (especially custom VWs), casinos, and watching his beloved Raiders play football. His favorite hobby, by a wide margin, was his children and grandchildren: watching them grow up, play sports, and find their way in life brought him joy. David’s personality could be summed up in one word: grit. David was brave and strong in the face of adversity, and he persevered and worked hard towards his goals despite the obstacles. David is preceded in death by his parents and all 12 siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Marcia Setzer; his children, David “Eric” Setzer, Scott (Kate) Setzer, and Lori Setzer; his grandchildren: Ashley (Dan), Cody, Trey (Cheyenne), and Logan (Jordyn); and by his great-grandchildren: Kaylee, Kloe, Oayla, and Jemma, and by many nieces and nephews. At this time, no services are scheduled for David. Girdner Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Grit I came into this as the 13th. I earned my keep I was always fighting I was always working I learned the value of right and wrong I learned to to stand on my own I did things that were dangerous I learned how to be a good man I fought for what was right I bled and got hurt I have scars I have wounds I’m not perfect It’s an honor to stand I found my one true love I became a father I worked harder I tried to teacher I made a home I’m standing tall I see them try I see their pain I let them learn I watched them pull themselves up I still have scars and wounds but they don’t hurt as bad I sit I see them move on I see new faces in our family I watch from the stands I praise them to others I feel overwhelmed with love I sit back a little farther and relax I watch them grow so much they need more light I see their strengths and accomplishments I feel all the love around me but my wounds are opening I lay down to rest I hear them talk and miss their faces I feel my heart full of joy but I feel the sun’s heat going away I have so much love around me and I still feel a cold come across my lips I can’t stop the hurt or the pain I don’t want to leave my wife and this life but the weight is too much I can feel her touch I want you to know how much I love you I’m going to lay down and rest and think of you I’m Tired.

David Duane Setzer

December 2, 1941 - July 28, 2026