David J. Christman

David J. Christman, 66, of Le Mars, Iowa, formerly of Sioux City, passed away Friday, Feb. 23, 2007, at a local hospital, surrounded by his family.

Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Nativity Catholic Church, with the Rev. James Tigges of St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars officiating. Private graveside services will be at a later date. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

David was born on Feb. 27, 1940, in Smithland, Iowa, the son of George W. and Nelle C. (Heywood) Christman. He graduated from Smithland High School in 1957. He attended Morningside College, graduating in 1981, with a degree in agribusiness and accounting. Dave's career was with the U.S. military for 35 years. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1957, served during the Vietnam War, and in 1983, he joined the 185th Iowa Air National Guard. He retired in 1992.

David married Sandra K. Wilcox on Feb. 14, 1964, in Sioux City. They spent 40 years in Sioux City together raising their family. In January of 2004, the couple moved to Le Mars to be closer to their children. Sandy preceded Dave in death on Nov. 5, 2004.

He was a member of Nativity Catholic Church in Sioux City and St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, adventuresome cooking and do-it-yourself home projects. Most of all, Dave loved his family and friends.

Survivors include four children, Karri Schrunk and her husband, Don, Kimberly Smith, Charles Christman, James Christman and his wife, Felicia Muniz, all of Le Mars; Terry Mann of Sioux City; two sisters, Susan Conyers and her husband, David of Omaha and Mary Ellen Sorenson of Sioux City; a brother, George Christman and his wife, Pat of Sioux City; nine grandchildren, Elizabeth (Schrunk) Sheldon of Le Mars, Wendy Schrunk of Dubuque, Iowa, Riley Smith of Le Mars, Matthew Horton-Christman, Steven Horton-Christman, Daisy Christman and Summer Christman, all of Le Mars, Janelle Hagen and Justin Hagen, both of Sioux City; a great-grandchild, John Sheldon; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by both parents; and a brother, Harold Christman.

Pallbearers will be his children, with his grandchildren serving as honorary pallbearers.