David Allen Lindgren - Obituary

Dave was born on February 26, 1967, in Lake Forest, Illinois. He attended South Park Elementary School, where he formed lifelong friendships that endured through every stage of life. At Deerfield High School, Dave was an athlete - playing basketball and football - while also performing in the school band as a trombonist.

Following high school, Dave joined the Air Force National Guard to help pay for college. He completed basic training in Texas and his specialized training and service took him across the U.S., Belgium and Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1993.

Dave attended Northern Illinois University from 1986 to 1990. While living in Lincoln Hall, he met the love of his life, Debra Ciaglia, at a dorm floor party. The two married in 1992 and purchased their first home in Round Lake Beach, IL.

His professional career began at SPS Payment Systems in Riverwoods, IL, where, with a loan to pay for a new wardrobe, he entered the world of Information Technology. In 1996, Dave and Debbie relocated to San Diego, both joining Qualcomm. Dave thrived in his work and was especially proud of his team and all they accomplished together. Over 20 years, he built lasting friendships and contributed to global projects that took him to India, Mexico, Brazil, and Ireland.

In 1997, Dave and Debbie welcomed their first son, Luke, and in 2000, their second son, Mark. Fatherhood was one of Dave’s greatest joys. He shared endless adventures with his boys - building model railroads, camping, catching tadpoles, coaching football, would help with homework and taught his sons how to use tools. Together with Luke, he built an aquaponics system that was later donated to UCSD; it resides at Roger's garden.

In 2002, the family moved to their Rancho Santa Fe home, a place Dave saw as perfect for raising a family. He personally designed the outdoor space to grow and evolve with their lives, hosting countless barbecues, s’mores by the fireplace, swim parties, and gatherings with friends.

In 2016, Dave joined Illumina, where he was honored to support scientists working to combat diseases like cancer. Dave went on leave in 2020 and officially retired in 2021 after cancer complications made it difficult to continue working.

Dave was a man of many interests - traveling, gardening, investing, Ethereum mining, golfing, sport shooting, genealogy, building projects, and caring for animals. He was known for his dedicated work ethic, but more than anything, he was devoted to his family. Providing for and protecting Debbie, Luke, and Mark was his lifelong mission, and he did so with love, pride, and unwavering commitment. Dave's infectious laugh, humor, intelligence, warmth and love will be dearly missed.

Dave was preceded in death by his mother, Lynne Lindgren. He is survived by his wife Debra (Ciaglia) Lindgren; sons Luke and Mark Lindgren; his father Philip Lindgren; and his siblings Philip (Barbara) Lindgren, Renee (Jeff) Lumbreras, and Daniel (Shelley) Lindgren.

Grant eternal rest unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.