David Tenneboe, 73, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, took his final bow on Monday, December 15, 2025, surrounded by family and love.

David's first performance began on January 16, 1952, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he was born to Lloyd and Agnes Tenneboe and grew up alongside his brother, Gary, and sister, Lee.

On Friday the 13th of June, 1980, David married Mary Koster in Yankton, South Dakota. Together they had two sons, David and Zachary.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1973 to 1976, remaining in the reserves until 1979. David spoke with pride about his time in service, especially his training on Mount Fuji in Japan.

After his military service, David followed his calling into nursing. He earned his Bachelor of Science from South Dakota State University in 1989 and spent most of his career working in psychiatric care at the VA Hospital.

But if you knew David well, you knew his truest magic happened outside the hospital.

David was a magician at heart. He spent decades bringing wonder to elementary schools, libraries, and community spaces across the Midwest. Known to many as "Big Magic", he also performed at Camp Leif Ericson for over ten years, and became a beloved part of the camp experience. Thousands of children laughed, gasped, and believed in something impossible — all because David invited them to.

He was a proud and active member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians, where his knowledge of magic was encyclopedic and his respect for the craft unwavering.

In the spirit of the magician's tradition, we honor him as one whose wand may be broken, but whose magic will live on in every moment of wonder he created.

In his later years, David found his greatest joy in being a grandfather. Time spent with his granddaughter, Harper, became his favorite kind of magic — quieter, gentler, and filled with love.

David was the kind of man who never hesitated to help. If someone needed him, he was there. His kindness was not loud — it was constant.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; sons David and Zac (Heather); granddaughter Harper, all of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; sister Lee Tenneboe of Edmonds, Washington; and many other relatives and friends whose lives are brighter because they knew him.

The family will be present from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Miller Westside Chapel, 6200 West 41st Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Miller Westside Chapel, with burial at 2:00 p.m. at the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery.

Every laugh you shared, every moment together, and every bit of wonder you carry forward is part of the magic he leaves behind. He will always be with you, in stories, in smiles, and in the moments when something just feels a bit magical.

David believed that a little magic could make the world better.
That belief lives on.