David 'Dave' Oliver Autio, Jr., 77

David “Dave” Oliver Autio, Jr., 77, of Mullan, Idaho, passed away peacefully at his home Feb. 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Dave was born April 22, 1948, in Wallace, Idaho, to the late David “Casey” Autio, Sr. and Lulu May (Krause) Autio. He was raised and educated in Mullan and graduated from Mullan High School in 1966. He later attended North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene, where he played shortstop and third base for the Cardinals. After a year of college, he enlisted in the Army Reserves, proudly serving his country. He completed his basic and advanced infantry training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He returned home in 1968 and was assigned to the 391st Engineers Battalion based in Wallace. He was honorably discharged in 1973.

On August 12, 1967, Dave married his childhood sweetheart, Ellen Louise Durfee, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Mullan. Together, they built a life centered on love, faith, family and community, and were blessed with two daughters, Marla and Natalie.

Dave briefly worked at the Lucky Friday Mine before beginning what would become a 39½ year career with the Idaho Department of Transportation. Rising to the position of Maintenance Foreman, he took great pride in his work and responsibilities. He was instrumental in assisting with the engineering aspects of the I-90 project over Lookout Pass. Dave retired after nearly four decades of dedicated service.

Dave’s devotion to the Mullan community was evident throughout his life. He served more than 32 years on the Mullan School Board, volunteered over 10 years as a firefighter and EMT with the Mullan Volunteer Fire Department, and served 4 years as a commissioner for Shoshone County Fire District 3. He was a previous member of the Mullan Community Foundation, volunteered at the Captain John Mullan Museum, served on the board of the Mullan Youth Center, and was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Dave also, for a time, was a member of the Wallace Elks Lodge and proudly participated in the Wallace Elks Drum and Bugle Corps.

To know Dave was to know his love of sports. His passion began at just five years old, when he served as a batboy for the local Mullan town baseball team, coached by his father and scored by his sister. He played baseball throughout his childhood and teenage years. At age 15, he tried out for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball farm team with a group of Silver Valley Babe Ruth players. He always said they only seemed to be looking for pitchers. In high school, he played on the 1965 Mullan basketball team that won the state championship — a title unmatched since. For over 30 years, Dave coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball in Mullan, long enough to coach his younger brothers-in-law and eventually his own grandsons, one of the great joys of his life. He coached Mullan YBL when Natalie was a child. He ran the score clock for Mullan football and basketball games for more than three decades and played softball for many years. A proud self-proclaimed #1 Los Angeles Dodgers fan and devoted Gonzaga basketball supporter, he rarely missed a game.

Above all, Dave loved his family. He was deeply involved in the lives of his grandchildren and took great pride in helping raise them. Over the years, he formed countless friendships throughout Mullan and the Silver Valley. His steady presence, servant’s heart and unwavering commitment to his hometown will be profoundly missed. Dave loved Mullan — and Mullan loved him.

In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ellen, who passed away Aug. 31, 2016, and by his sister, Carol Autio.

He is survived by his daughters, Marla (James) Trogden of Mullan and Natalie (Ross) Farrell of St. Maries; three grandchildren, Riley (Karmen) Trogden, Alex Trogden, and Grace Farrell; his sister, Louella Irvine of Pinehurst; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Dave’s memory to the Mullan School District or to the Dale Noordam Flag and Flower fund through the Mullan City Hall.

Dave’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone at the Beacon Cancer Clinic, Loving Care and More, Mountain Valley of Cascadia Health and Rehabilitation, and the Shoshone Cancer Support Corporation for the compassionate care provided during his battle with pancreatic cancer. Your kindness and dedication will never be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 28, at noon at the Mullan Athletic Pavilion, 300 Earle Street, Mullan, ID. A reception will follow at the Morning Club in Mullan. To celebrate Dave’s life, attendees are encouraged to wear purple and white or “Dodger Blue” in his honor.

Memories and messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com, where a link to join the livestream of Dave's memorial service is available for those who wish to attend virtually. Shoshone Funeral Services of the Silver Valley is assisting the Autio family with arrangements.