David A. Schafer

David A. Schafer, 71, a resident of Davenport, died Sunday, January 1, 2023 at Genesis Medical Center, East Rusholme in Davenport.

Memorial services celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 28, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday, January 27^th and 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul. Halligan McCabe DeVries Funeral Home in Davenport is assisting the family with arrangements.

David was born November 10, 1951 in Davenport, the first son of Cleyon and Susan (Nehlsen) Schafer. He married Wynne A. Hamann, on June 11, 1972.

David earned a BS in Finance from Drake University in 1974 and an MBA from the University of Iowa in 1977.

David worked for Deere & Co. for over 30 years. Dave started his career in Corporate Planning.  He was one of the first nine employees of an exciting new startup, John Deere Information Systems, pioneering the computerization of Deere dealers across the country and internationally.  He enjoyed integrating new technology into Deere dealerships, connecting them with communication systems, and training their employees.  He travelled to 48 states and worked with dealerships around the globe. He fondly remembered the early days of JDIS.

 He enjoyed traveling, music, history, and wine collecting. He liked working in the yard and watching his wife work there as well. David was a member of the Figge Art Museum Development committee and chairman of the annual fund for several years. As a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, he sang in the choir, served on council as a member and as president for two terms, and two Call committees for senior pastors.  His strong faith gave him comfort and strength throughout his life. He loved and enjoyed his god children Katya Murray, David Sedio, Lauren Burseth, Jonathan Abplanalp and Michael Kuster.  David loved and enthusiastically supported his wife.  Many enjoyed David’s insight, kindness and dry sense of humor

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Wynne; brothers, John (Sue Ellingson) Schafer of Madison, Wisconsin, and Dan (Margaret) Schafer of Houston, Texas; and sister-in-law, Marilee Schafer-Wilcox of Eldridge. Nephews and nieces are Eric Schafer, Tara Antoun, Michael Schafer, Shaun Schafer, Chad Schafer, Kirk Schafer, Daniel Schafer, Malinda Hamann, Lara Wannemacher, Sara Albrecht, and Andrew Albrecht.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Jeff.

 Memorials may be made to the Figge Art Museum’s New Acquisitions fund.