David Stewart Bailey

David Stewart Bailey, 83, of Cedar Falls, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 27, 2026. He was born in Waterloo on January 1, 1943, son of Clair and LaVina (Stewart) Bailey. Dave graduated from Dunkerton High School in 1961. On February 22, 1969, Dave married Pamela Stone at the First Baptist Church of Dunkerton. They had two daughters together and later divorced. Dave was united in marriage with Vicki Sue (Blaser) on December 26, 1988, at Nazareth Lutheran Church. He worked in various positions at John Deere for 30 years, retiring December 1998. After retiring, he pursued his passion for cars by first working at McGinn Auto before becoming a driver, picking up new and used cars for Bill Colwell Ford. Dave had a vey strong work ethic and worked hard to support his family.

Dave grew up on a farm in Dunkerton, Iowa. It was a good life for this small-town farm boy, and he made the most of it. He became actively involved in 4H, sports, plus school and church activities. He had many cousins and family members around the area he grew up and his love for them never ended.

Dave became a man of discipline, Christian values and sobriety. Without those, he knew he wouldn't have anything. He strove to build back his life after losing the one he had before finding his sobriety. He renewed his relationships with his daughters and later welcomed their spouses before finding joy in becoming a grandfather to Bailey and Erik. Dave met a woman he adored and who adored him. together they spent over 40 years building their life together and what a great life it was - a life they both loved. Not flamboyant in his beliefs, rather Dave learned how to live his life by example. Was he perfect? Not in the least, nor did he pretend to be. But he strived.

Dave made many lasting friendships throughout his life. It was very easy for him to make someone his friend and he seldom forgot any of them. At John Deere, he made friendships that stayed with him throughout his entire life. His drivers with Colwell kept him going and the best part was always - where are we stopping for breakfast? He also had a group of breakfast buddies and they went to Jazzies every Saturday for decades. Dave made many, many lifelong friends in his sobriety, and he always kept the pot on for anyone who stopped over. So many did that he started keeping a 30 cup pot on for years, making his and Vicki's home a comfortable stop for friends in recovery.

Dave was a guy's guy and loved laughter, raunchy jokes, and talking sports, cars or just about anything. And he frequently said 'hey' to make sure you were looking at him when he was talking; then wave his arm at you in dismissal when he didn't want to hear it. He lived out his life staying true to his values, to his love of his wife and family, and to the Lord he became close to after finding his sobriety.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Eugene and Juanita Blaser; sister-in-law, Kristen Pierce Kampo; and brother-in-law, Brad Pierce. He is survived by Vicki, his wife of nearly 38 years; daughters, Kim (Brian) Butz and Karen (Jeff) Tupper; grandchildren: Bailey Butz and Erik Tupper; sisters, Carole Reagle and Margene (Dave) Fox; brothers-in-law Gene Blaser Jr., John (Lisa) Blaser, and Ron Kampo, many nieces and nephews; plus numerous dear extended family and friends.

Dave’s family will host a Celebration of Life Visitation from 3-6:00 pm on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home, then a Memorial Service on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:30 am in the Larsen Chapel at Nazareth Lutheran Church, both in Cedar Falls. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to the family for future charitable designation.