Celebrating the Life of a Gentle Giant

The St. Croix Household, fishing trade, and neighborhood of anglers mourn the lack of David Schluter, who handed instantly final week on the age of 61.

PARK FALLS, Wis. (January 5, 2026) – David Schluter was co-owner of the famend American fishing rod producer, St. Croix Rod and the St. Croix Household of Manufacturers, together with surviving siblings Paul, Jeff, and Pam Smylie, who’ve owned the corporate since buying it from their father, Gordon Schluter, in 1990.

David graduated from Park Falls Excessive College in 1982 and attended UW Eau Claire and the College of Arizona, the place he earned a level in engineering. He labored for Kohler Firm in Sheboygan for a time earlier than returning house to Park Falls to work together with his father and brothers at St. Croix Rod.

All through his 35-year profession at St. Croix, David was identified and revered for his intelligence, work ethic, sensible problem-solving expertise, and relentless give attention to innovation. Dave was enthusiastic about St. Croix’s model, processes, and other people. He was very happy with what his father had completed in saving the corporate twice in its historical past. He would advance to Vice President  of Manufacturing, then Vice President of Product Administration, main manufacturing and product improvement at St. Croix for over a decade earlier than retiring to proceed management on the corporate’s Board of Administrators.

Throughout his tenure, David spearheaded many inventions, together with Solidworks 3D modeling within the early 2000’s, which tremendously enhanced St. Croix’s design and manufacturing capabilities. He additionally loved touring and searching for out new supplies and suppliers that may make the Finest Rods On Earth even higher for anglers. He instituted common enhancements to the manufacturing course of, which resulted in continuous high quality and effectivity enhancements whereas decreasing waste.

Inside and outdoors of the office, David was identified to be form, reserved, and reliable. He loved woodworking, looking, fishing, making maple syrup, and spending time outdoor working the land together with his tractor. He valued self-reliance and craftsmanship and took large pleasure in doing issues properly. He was strong-willed, supplied good recommendation, and lived with a quiet integrity. His legacy is certainly one of energy, exhausting work, and take care of others, particularly his kids, Hunter, Megan, and Elsa, to whom his life was devoted.

St. Croix Rod and its workforce members supply prayers of peace, therapeutic, and fond recollections to the Schluter Household, in addition to all others mourning David’s passing.