David Weldon Van Rossum, son of David Washington Van Rossum and Ollie Jane (Shutt) Van Rossum, was born on August 8, 1916, on the farm in St. Charles, Iowa. He passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2006, at the Elm Heights/Parkcrest Care Center in Shenandoah at the age of 89.
David lived on the farm until he moved into St. Charles when he was six years old. He attended St. Charles elementary and high school. From January 1942 to September 1945, David served in the South Pacific with the United States Air Force. He was at Port Moresby, New Guinea, and then Clark Field in the Philippines. He was a Staff Sergeant with the 5th Air Force, 39th Squadron, 35th group.
On July 12, 1941, David was united in marriage to Beverly Tamen in Bethany, Missouri. The couple resided in Des Moines after their marriage. He was later married to Evelyn (White) Haworth on July 9, 1967, in Des Moines, Iowa. They continued to reside in Des Moines until 1980 when they moved to Shenandoah, Iowa. David worked as a template maker for Pittsburgh Des Moines Steel from 1941-1980, with an interruption for the war.
David was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Rotary Club, American Legion Post #88, and Senior Citizens. His interests included woodworking, playing pool at senior citizens, riding his scooter, going to the Donut Shop and repairing and inventing solutions to all things broken.
Preceding David in death were his parents; infant sister, Nancy Maude; siblings, James, Wilma, and Beulah and his first wife, Beverly. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn; daughter Sandra Sapp and husband Ben of Norwalk, Iowa; son Richard Van Rossum and wife Penny of Des Moines, Iowa; step-daughter Sarah Lottridge and husband Ron of Shenandoah, Iowa; 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held on Monday, August 7, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by the Rev. Jim Gubser. Organist was Becky Hoenshel. Vocalist was Susie Schaaf, who sang "Sweet By And By" and "God Will Take Care Of You". Attending the memory register were Eleanor Radden and Dorothy Hensen. Ushers were Jim Sligar and Dave Tackett, Sr. Casket bearers were Scott Helverson, David Van Rossum, Ed Lottridge, Jim Van Rossum, Ron Lottridge, Brad Tasler, Russ Nauman and Greg Polzien. Military rites were accorded by the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.