David’s Obituary

https://www.mattsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/david-tilly

David Walter John Tilly, born on November 1, 2023, in Minneapolis, Minnesota with a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). Sadly, he passed away in his parent’s loving embrace on June 20, 2024, at the tender age of seven months. He brought immense joy and love to his family and everyone he came in contact with. When David was born, it was unknown whether he would survive his first hour. When he did, it was thought he would not make it to 5 months; yet he did all of that and more. He was able to spend two months at home, where he enjoyed the holiday season surrounded by his family. David had his first open heart surgery (the Norwood) on Valentine’s Day and had quite the recovery after that, before ultimately stopping the single-ventricle pathway and being listed for heart transplant at the beginning of June.

Despite his short time with us, David’s presence illuminated the lives of all who knew him. He loved his wagon rides, which he took very seriously, but they allowed him to flirt with all the nurses on the unit, experience the warmth of outside, seeing leaves on trees, going down a slide, and watching a rain storm roll in. David loved all music, but his favorites were those he played with Ms. Rachel from music therapy and listening to the melodies of his “Godmother” Taylor Swift, who spent much time in his hospital room. He also looked forward to playing Bingo every week, where he always managed to pull out a win.   

David touched the hearts of many, forging special bonds with all the doctors, nurses, therapists, and other staff. He loved wearing pink with Diana, dance parties with Dani, bouncing with Demi, cuddling with Cailin, music with Mo, watching the Eras tour with Kyle, and hanging with his other “Godmother” Fern, the facility dog, and her mom Phylicia. The highlight of his day was when his siblings showed up – that always gave him an energy he couldn’t resist and he couldn’t take his eyes off of them. David also got great pleasure in meeting new friends and figuring out ways to go on field trips or summoning friends to come visit him, while keeping everyone guessing his secretive thoughts. His spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Those left to celebrate his memory include his parents, Adam and Jessica Tilly; big brother, Eli; big sister, Anna; dogs, Maddie and Linus; grandparents, Rick and Rita Schmidt, Dave Tilly and Cindy Smith, Laurie Jo and John Sasse; aunts and uncles, Rebecca and Michael Baldrige, Christian Schmidt, Eric and Danielle Tilly; great-grandparents Margaret Tilly and Walter Schmidt; other family and friends – including special nurses Cailin, Maurice, Dani, Demi, Paris, Kyle, Alexis, Madi, Megan, and Sarah, among others. 

Funeral services to celebrate and honor David’s life will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, July 8, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 5879 Wyoming, Trail, Wyoming, Minnesota.  Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m., until the time of service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to funds at the University of Minnesota that helped David’s hospital stays be as comfortable as possible – including the Nutrisource Facility Dog Program Fund and the Music Therapy for M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital Fund.

David’s parents would like to thank all of the staff at the CVICU and the cardiology clinic at M Health Fairview Children’s Masonic Hospital for all of their love and support they provided David. They gave us seven and a half wonderful months with our baby boy, which we will cherish forever. David Walter John, child of God. He was incredibly loved and cherished, and his light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.