Celebrating the life of

David Willis

Family and friends

David M Willis, 33, of Clive, Iowa, died Monday, July 20. He was born June 22, 1982, in Waterloo, Iowa, son of Mike and Joanne Willis.<br><br>David graduated from Waterloo West High School in 2000 and Iowa State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2005. Following graduation, he began his career at John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa. He then moved on with Deere to positions at the Moli... more

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25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Chris Willis Jet-lagged layover in Atlanta after his travels through Europe...Hitting the craft beer scene with Uncle Chris and fam.

I met Willis (that is what I have always called him) back in 2007 when I moved from Cedar Falls to the Quad Cities. He was friends with my husband, Andrew, and I instantly enjoyed his company. Many of our friends are transplants from other areas so our group of friends is more like a family that he was part of. Throughout the years, we went on many...

Lindsay Schwartz25 Jul 2015

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

David was so much fun to grow up around and I always looked forward to our families getting together. I have nothing but fond, happy memories of him. He was easy to talk to, just an overall great guy!!! Rest in peace and never forgotten.

Molly Coleman25 Jul 2015

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Meghan Eakins Our family has had the honor of knowing David for the last many years. We were introduced to him through our brother/son, Tony Erickson. Getting to know David through Tony and Marcia was a privilege; truly times we will always remember! Celebrating Tony and Marcia's wedding, the after party (yes, I'm pretty sure David rode in the trunk down to the bar!), and the birth and first year of Mr. Cullen Michael are some of our fondest memories! Our last get together we celebrated Cullen's 1st birthday and baptism. Miles and David made it known to Cullen that he has no choice but to cheer for the Chicago Blackhawks- no worries, David, Miles will make sure Cully supports hockey in his future:) Regardless, the weekend was spent laughing and telling great stories, truly a great time was had by all, something I am sure David treasured. May you all find peace in comfort through memories made with David. Love, Renee and Halle Erickson Meghan and Miles Eakins

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

David was our neighbor. He always had a warm smile and genuine kindness about him. He was always kind and patient with the kids on our street, including mine. He was always willing stop and listen to what they wanted to tell him. When I told my 6 year old of David's passing, her response to me was "but mama, he was my friend." She went on to tell ...

Jenny Vallandingham Lutz25 Jul 2015

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Elizabeth Willis Thinking of all the great memories with David throughout my life, from childhood to the present. Here he is with me as a baby!

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Andrew Schwartz

25 Jul 2015

Lindsey Menninga

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Sunny Hubner In 2007, I met one of the greatest guys ever-David Willis. He was such a good friend to me, so fun to be around!! Later that year, I met my future husband & wouldn't you know it, one of HIS closest friends (& neighbor) was ALSO David Willis!! What are the odds! David knew us separately & he knew us together & was such an important part of our lives, it was only natural that when Cary & I got engaged & began to talk about the wedding ceremony, we unanimously agreed we only wanted one person up there with us, leading us thru-David. He got ordained just for us & he told me he would only use this new power one time, and only for us-because he truly believed in us as a couple. We've loved David separately & together for over 8 years. We cannot begin to describe how much we miss him & will continue to throughout the years to come. Though we are devastated we are out of "next times" with him, we are so thankful for the times we did have. We love you so much.

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Sunny Hubner

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Molly Coleman

I am very fortunate to have the Willis family in addition to my own since I was young, and this week has brought back a lot of memories. Watching Chicago Bulls games together when we were kids is one of my favorites. Mike always made us popcorn and flickered the lights in the living room during the starting lineup, and David, Marcia, and I would be...

Courtney Winninger25 Jul 2015

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Andrew Schwartz

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

I will forever remember David as a sweet, caring, friendly and happy neighbor. He had such a charismatic smile and sweet personality. We enjoyed frequent chats while our dogs wrestled in the front yard. We will miss him so much in the neighborhood; he was a great neighbor to have!! After I had our second baby he came over and asked if I liked enchi...

Lindsey Menninga25 Jul 2015

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Courtney Winninger

25 Jul 2015

Chris Willis

26 Jul 2015

Mary and Aral Eaton

26 Jul 2015

Mary and Aral Eaton

We cherish the many memories of David, Marcia and Molly growing up together and our many get-togethers. We get caught up in our personal lives and miss opportunities to re-unite with family members, always thinking we will try harder next year. Even though we are spread out in different states, the love we have for our extended families remains....

Mary and Aral Eaton26 Jul 2015

26 Jul 2015

Sue Hove Scott and Tracy's wedding, Pine Creek, MT

26 Jul 2015

Mary and Aral Eaton

Am adding a cousins picture...happy memories of the last time they were all together. Am looking for the one where he did the "Worm" one the floor at the party the night before! Or ones at the John Deere Classics

Sue Hove26 Jul 2015

26 Jul 2015

Mary and Aral Eaton

26 Jul 2015

Mary and Aral Eaton

26 Jul 2015

Mary and Aral Eaton

27 Jul 2015

Stefanie Lemburg One of the last photos that I have of David is the day he brought his puppy Abbie home. I've never seen David so happy until the day he met her! They had a great companionship and they quickly became best friends. I will always remember David for his laugh and smile, intelligent mind and fun personality. We spent a couple years traveling, going to concerts, visiting breweries, entertaining friends at his house and Chicago Cubs games. We enjoyed making homemade pizzas, hummus and grilling together. Mike, Joanne, Marcia and Tony always welcomed me into their family and could have fun with them no matter what we were doing. His family and friends loved him dearly. I'm heartbroken to know that David is no longer a part of our lives, but hope he has found peace and comfort. David is smiling down on all of us from above!

27 Jul 2015

Stefanie Lemburg

27 Jul 2015

Stefanie Lemburg

We met Dave through Andrew & Lindsay Schwartz. We always managed a visit with him when we visited the Quad cities. We also enjoyed a few days with him when he vacationed in Michigan . So sad his loving personality and great smile hid such inner turmoil. We hope that your family may find comfort and healing from the wonderful stories shared by f...

Kathy Trombley Schwartz27 Jul 2015

I met Willis when we worked at Seeding Group together. I helped connect him with some other friends/co-workers that had shared interests. We played on the same volleyball team and went on a couple of bus trips together with a grou of friends. Willis was quick witted and funny. I enjoyed his company and he will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful...

Monica Verbeke-Howe27 Jul 2015

What can I say without writing a novel? David was such an amazing guy! He was extremely bright and able to pick up on anything and everything I could share with him. He worked hard and always went above and beyond. One of my fondest memories from that team involves David. At John Deere ISG in Moline we had a ping pong table that got some good use. ...

Dan Worlton28 Jul 2015

28 Jul 2015

Ann Lobdell Believe it or not, this picture is from the very first time I ever met Willis. He possessed that uncanny ability to make a stranger feel like an old friend and was able to bring out the fun and goofy side in others that he met. He was forever smiling- something that will be remembered and missed by all who had the chance to know him.

I worked with David at John Deere Seeding in Moline. He was a wonderful, smart person. I don't know if he realized how far ahead of most he was... He was always willing to help when needed, and could usually figure things out before others. He really wanted things to be right, so they could be the way they should be, not settling for the way th...

Jody Newkirk28 Jul 2015

Willis was the first person my brother Cary introduced me to when I came to visit on spring break in 2007. I was a little too outgoing for his style so trying to annoy him immediately became my thing. We were always giving each other a hard time. Willis was so fun to be around and could always put a smile on your face. Watching Willis preform the c...

Jessica Hubner29 Jul 2015

I met David in 2007 through other Deere co-workers. We quickly became friends and thought of him like a little brother. He once

Tedgie Perez Wright29 Jul 2015

I worked with David in his capacity in IT on a couple of project teams. And I agree with others that he had an intelligent way about him that was hard to miss. Additionally, I felt he had a strong sense of curiosity and didn't shy away from questioning traditional approaches. This led to reconsiderations and new ideas being introduced. He was c...

Doug Kanwischer29 Jul 2015

30 Jul 2015

Jessica Hubner

30 Jul 2015

Jessica Hubner

30 Jul 2015

Jessica Hubner

31 Jul 2015

Amber Duitsman I first met Dave shortly after he moved to the Quad Cities and was working at Seeding. My future husband worked there at the time and he quickly was added to our group of friends. Many weekends in our early/mid 20's were spent hanging out and making great memories. This photo is from Summerfest in 2009. We also had monthly "Coupon Dinners" which was a great way to try new places and keep up with everyone. I hadn't seen Dave in quite a while since we have moved to GA but it saddens me know we won't see him again and his infectious smile.

31 Jul 2015

Amber Duitsman

31 Jul 2015

Amber Duitsman

We were introduced to Willis through Andrew and Lindsay. Like Lindsay, we knew him by Willis. The first time someone called him Dave we couldn't figure out who they were talking about. (I think we had to ask Andrew.) Willis was one of those people who always wanted everyone to have a good time. He always seemed to be entertaining the people around ...

Jill Honhera31 Jul 2015

2 Aug 2015

Renee Mance What I will remember about Dave the most was his passion. Like many others, I first met Dave when I moved to the Quad Cities to work for Deere. We were assigned to the same volleyball team through a Deere league. It became evident very quickly by the way he put his heart and soul into the game that he wanted the best for his team. That same spirit and commitment was evident in all aspects of Dave's life, and it is something I will never forget.

3 Aug 2015

Kate Keenan The 80's were in full swing here at grandma and grandpa's lake house. I'll always remember David's genuine curiosity, kindness, and warm smile above all else. Lots of love to Mike and Joanne and Marcia and Tony.

4 Aug 2015

Marcia Erickson

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to those who have shared memories, stories, and pictures of my brother, David. It has and will continue to be a positive place that we can go to smile or shed happy tears remembering his smile, passion, and personality. My whole life I have loved him and looked up to him for so many reasons. It is hard at t...

Marcia Erickson4 Aug 2015

4 Aug 2015

Marcia Erickson

4 Aug 2015

Caitlin Wood I worked with David at John Deere ISG in Urbandale, IA. Having just started my career a year or two ago, David was one of the fi

4 Aug 2015

Marcia Erickson

4 Aug 2015

Marcia Erickson

5 Aug 2015

Mike willis Joanne and I would like to thank all those who have shared stories and pictures of David. This memorial website and the outpouring of support from friends and family has been a source of strength. Our tears come less often, but our hearts still ache. We will forever be proud of David for his endless passion to learn. David, we love you and miss you. - Mom and Dad

5 Aug 2015

Mike willis

5 Aug 2015

Mike willis

5 Aug 2015

Mike willis David's little bundle of joy ... mud belly and all

5 Aug 2015

Mike willis

5 Aug 2015

Mike willis

5 Aug 2015

Mike willis

7 Aug 2015

Cary Hubner My wife Sunny knew Dave too, I mean, seriously everybody knew Dave. He's not a forgettable person. When Sunny and I decided to get married we wanted to do something different than the standard church wedding. We wanted to be married by a mutual friend that would be up for the deed. We both immediately thought of Dave as the perfect person to join us in matrimony. I had my doubts that he'd be up for the big responsibility but when we asked him he was so happy to do it. He went online and got ordained right away, we started calling him The Rev for a while.

(Continued) When our big day came, he did an amazing job up in front of everyone, all topped off with a heartfelt tribute to us that he wrote. Such a great wedding and we were so happy David was part of it. Sunny & I only had our brothers, my sister & her cousin stand up with us at our wedding. For the toast, we asked if they would all say somethin...

Cary Hubner7 Aug 2015

I met David soon after I first moved to Moline in 2006. We were friends from the start; had a lot of fun times. Great person all around, he was the kind of guy you knew was going to have something really interesting to say. It's hard to lose such a close friend so I figured I'd just share a few of my favorite Dave memories in the following tributes...

Cary Hubner7 Aug 2015

I was telling Dave how cheap my rent was at my apartment one day and it wasn't long after that that we became neighbors at the vintage apartment complex behind Kmart. Having Dave as a neighbor was sweet, kind of like Seinfeld when a friend would pop in randomly. We'd watch The Daily Show and Colbert Report all the time and we watched the movie Bora...

Cary Hubner7 Aug 2015

7 Aug 2015

Cary Hubner The first time I ever hung out with Dave we went to a local bar called QC Zone with a few other guys. We were playing darts and carrying on as usual and then a bachelorette party came in. The girls came over to us and explained they had to check off items on their scavenger hunt and one of the last items is the bride to be had to sign her name on a guy's chest with lipstick. We were all kind of laughing like no way are any of us going to agree to that. Then seemingly out of nowhere Willis stepped up and took on challenge. He pulled up his shirt and the girl got out her lipstick and proceeded to autograph his chest. I was thinking man this guy is either awesome or crazy. After getting to know him and becoming good friends after that, I began to understand the true awesomeness of David.

7 Aug 2015

Cary Hubner (Continued) When we got there, to our surprise there was a radio station there putting on a game of Family Feud for a radio publicity stunt. Wanting nothing to do with such nonsense we stayed in the back and talked sports for a while when two old ladies came up to us saying they needed two more players for the on-air game show. We looked at each other and politely declined, but being the kindhearted guy he was he couldn't turn them down. So we were hustled onto the Family Feud stage and given our instructions. Naturally, Willis was unstoppable at the game, the other team never had a chance, and the radio DJs were loving it. After the bonus round, the show producer handed us each a cool fifty bucks… which he proceeded to liquidate by buying the entire bar a round of drinks. That's the story of Dave's maiden venture into radio and how he subsequently made 'Quad Cities Hottest Place for the New Hits' history with a flawless game show performance and generous distribution of newfound fifty dollar fortune.

7 Aug 2015

Cary Hubner (Continued) We also all had a ton of fun at the reception, I wasn't around for the end of the night, but my friends from back home had a lot of stories about the shenanigans that went on after the reception-my Wisconsin friends still ask me about Willis and what he's up to, must have really made an impression. I could go on with stories like this to demonstrate the character of this great man for an entire book I bet. Just blessed to have the chance to have a connection with such a fine human specimen. Go State!

9 Aug 2015

Chad Douglas

9 Aug 2015

Chad Douglas

As one of David's uncles I got to watch him grow up into a wonderful young man. I was deeply saddened to hear he had passed. I will always remember what a bright, engaging guy he was. Like my own children, David had a great appreciation for the Simpsons. My kids were always impressed that his knowledge of Simpsons trivia rivaled or exceeded the...

Paul McGinn11 Aug 2015

11 Aug 2015

Deb Burk Burkdeborahs@johndeere.com

11 Aug 2015

Deb Burk Burkdeborahs@johndeere.com

11 Aug 2015

Deb Burk Burkdeborahs@johndeere.com

11 Aug 2015

Deb Burk Burkdeborahs@johndeere.com

12 Aug 2015

Mike willis

12 Aug 2015

Mike willis

12 Aug 2015

Mike willis two very proud moments

12 Aug 2015

Mike willis

I was so sad to hear of Dave's passing. I met Dave, or "Willis" as we called him, at John Deere Seeding Group. He was always a very good guy and had a wonderful group of friends that he hung out with. I remember when we used to have "Taco Friday" once a month and he was part of the group who participated. I still have the recipe for rice that ...

Lisa Craig15 Aug 2015

Thank you to all of David's wonderful friends in the Quad Cities for celebrating at his Memorial BBQ hosted by Lindsay and Andrew Schwartz. It was a wonderful afternoon - stories, memories, smiles & tears. We are so grateful to have met everyone. We took some awesome pictures that I've posted. The toast, balloon release, and finally, with a gr...

Marcia Erickson25 Aug 2015

25 Aug 2015

Marcia Erickson

25 Aug 2015

Marcia Erickson

25 Aug 2015

Marcia Erickson

25 Aug 2015

Marcia Erickson

25 Aug 2015

Marcia Erickson

25 Aug 2015

Marcia Erickson

25 Aug 2015

Marcia Erickson

25 Aug 2015

Marcia Erickson

I met Willis when I started dating my husband Pete. They had been friends for several years, and he was introduced to me as "one of the guys." As our group of friends expanded, Willis was an important part of it. I always saw him as an easy going guy with a grin on his face. He was the first person I would go to with questions about using my first ...

Amy Thompson26 Aug 2015