"Sorry to hear about Dave. He was my student at DeVry University for 9 semesters, and I'll always remember him. Patrick J. O'Connor, dean emeritus, Electronics and Computer Technology Program"
In loving memory of
David P. Zaabel
December 8, 1944 - October 14, 2022
David P. Zaabel, 77, of Urbandale, IA passed away Friday, October 14, 2022, at Every Step Kavanagh House in Des Moines.
Funeral services will be held on 10:30 AM on Friday, October 21st in the Chapel of the Laufersweiler Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
David Paul Zaabel was born December 8, 1944, in Fort Dodge. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church and attended grade school there as well. He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 1963 and enlisted in the United States Army in 1966. He served in the 37th Artillery, which was assigned to the 7th Army as part of the US committment to NATO and was stationed in Germany. After an honorable discharge David worked at Kennedy Park in Fort Dodge before moving to Illinois in 1970. He attended and received his BSEE from DeVry Institute in Chicago and his MBA from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.
David resided in the Chicago area for many years and worked as an independent contractor of DuPont. He was a dedicated member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in West Dundee, IL. He retired in 2007 and moved to Urbandale Iowa to be closer to his family and became a dedicated member of Living Faith Lutheran Church in Clive, IA.
David was an avid toy collector of tractors and later military jeeps and various trucks. His collection was vast, in excess of a 1000 toys, and he delighted in the chance to show it off. David was an active member of the Central Iowa Tractor Club, the Urbandale Breakfast Lions Club and volunteered every year at the Iowa State fair as well as served on the military tribute concert at the fair each year.
David Zaabel never met a stranger. He loved to visit with anyone he came across, had a zest for life, and always a positive attitude. During the holidays you could often find him dressed up as Santa for various functions.
David is survived by his daughter Kelly Benson (Brian) of West Des Moines, grandchildren Jacob Benson of Urbandale and Karli Benson of Iowa City, and sibling Dennis Zaabel (Karen)of West Des Moines. He is preceded in death by his father Paul Zaabel, mother Virginia (Wiles) Zaabel Bothe, step father Harold Bothe, and brother Richard Zaabel
Tributes
"We got to know Dave when he lived in Illinois. We went to see his toy collection in the basement at that time. Through the years of toy collecting, we became friends. We stopped to see him in Iowa in June, 2020. He will be missed by many in the world of toy collecting. We again stopped this past July as he was getting ready for his auction. We offer our deepest sympathy to the family. God be with you at this difficult time. Jerry and Alice Schneider Cecil, WI"
"Dave was in our FDHS class of 1963. He will be missed by his classmates. Dennis Steiner"
"David was a friend of my older brother's through high school. I remember him as one of the good guys, always friendly and positive. I know he will be missed."
"I met Dave back when I operated my online toy business out of my warehouse outside of Newton. When I told him I was planning on opening a toy store in Des Moines he kept checking in on our progress. He wanted to be our first official store customer, so we made that happen. Myself and the store staff got to know Dave as he came in most weeks to chat with us, bring us treats and check out the new toys that arrived in. One Christmas we had Dave as our store Santa, and here is a picture of him posing with the store elf dogs (who he also brought treats and played ball with in the store). When we decided to start hosting a toy show in DSM, Dave came along for the ride and set up at the show with us for the last 10 years. He loved to chat with people about their toys and share some of his unique pieces with them. Dave brought a great enthusiasm and knowledge base to the world of toy collecting, and he will be remembered by many. RIP Dave. My condolences to his family."
"David was the best Santa as well as his many other volunteering rolls. He has inspired me to lend a hand when needed. Condolences to Denny, Kelly, family and friends. He will be missed. Dave and Johni "