Dave Theodore Stessman

 Dave Theodore Stessman born to Caroline and Fred Stessman on April 21, 1928 in Panama, Iowa.  He was the oldest of ten children in his family. He grew up on a farm east of Panama helping with farm chores, driving tractors and milking cows.
Dave started his own business in Panama called Dave’s Garage. Then worked for the Ford Dealership in Harlan.
Dave met the love of his life, Margie Goeres at a dance at the Defiance Hall.  They were married in Defiance on September 25, 1950.  He was drafted into the Army.  He was stationed in Maryland; San Marcus, Texas; and Colorado Springs as an airplane mechanic during the Korean War.  Also worked for the Ford Dealership at San Marcus, Texas part time.  After his honorable discharge from the Army, he went to work in the Ford Dealership in Harlan.
In 1962, Dave bought the Standard Station in Defiance.  In 1970, he built his new building on Highway 59.  He called it Stessman Service.  In 1991, Dave retired and sold his business to his son, Larry.
His hobbies were playing cards with his friends and grandkids.  Taking Margie dancing.  Going South for the winter to Texas and Arizona.  While in Arizona he loved helping Roger in his Battery Center Store.  He restored two old pickups and a tractor and enjoyed driving them in local parades.
After Margie passed away in 2005, he married Janice on January 6, 2007 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa.  They enjoyed going on tractor rides and going to Arizona for the winter.
Dave moved to Elm Crest in Harlan in September of 2022.  He passed away peacefully on August 25, 2024.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Stessman of Defiance, children Larry (Deanna) Stessman of Defiance, Patty (Tom) Myers of Earling, Iowa; Jane (Bob) Sherrick of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Roger Stessman of Mesa, Arizona; 10 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; siblings Jeanette Bolamperti of Omaha, Nebraska; Caroline (Hank) NyKaza of Indiana; Colleen (Larry) Graeve of Wisconsin; Joanie Gonzalez of Georgia; Denny (Cathy) Stessman of Omaha, Nebraska; Duane (Jo) Stessman of Omaha, Nebraska, nieces and nephews; and other family members.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Margie, siblings Rose, Bud, and Charlene, brothers-in-law Sam, Claudio, and Dick.
An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial was officiated by Rev. Andrew Windschitl at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Kevin Kruse, Jeff Kruse, Grant Assmann, Garrett Assmann, Randy Stolz Jr., and Chase Finken served as casketbearers. A burial was held following the service at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Defiance, Iowa.
Pauley Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.