David Bissen

David “Buffy” Eugene Bissen, son of Sylvan and Virginia (Jacobs) Bissen, was born on April 30, 1948, near Portsmouth, Iowa. He was baptized and later confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earling. David attended St. Joseph High School in Earling, graduating with the Class of 1966. During his school years, he was an outstanding basketball player and recognized as one of southwest Iowa’s best. Following his education, David enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard and was later drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served with the 7th Cavalry in Vietnam as a gunner, earning a Purple Heart for his service. He was honorably discharged in 1969.

On April 18, 1970, David was united in marriage to Peggy Kathlene Assmann at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama. They were blessed with four children: Ronda, Tina, Chad, and Travis. The couple made their home south of Buck Grove, where David farmed crops and raised livestock. In addition to farming, he founded his own business, Bissen Salvage, often attending sales to purchase used machinery and collect antiques, a passion that reflected his hardworking and resourceful nature.

Throughout his life, David was a member of several parishes, including St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earling and Buck Grove, St. Mary Catholic Church in Dow City, and most recently, St. Peter Catholic Church in Defiance. He was also active in his community as a member of the Defiance American Legion Post 0707 and the Buck Grove Community Club. David was famous for his annual nut fry’s. A proud veteran, David made sure flags were purchased and displayed in Buck Grove, something he took great pride in seeing. In his younger years, David enjoyed bowling with the Playboys team and loved deer hunting. After a long day’s work, he appreciated relaxing with a cold one. Above all, David cherished time spent with his family. He took great joy in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their sports and activities, and he was a devoted Iowa Hawkeyes fan.

David passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at his home in rural Defiance at the age of 77 years, five months and 29 days. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Michelle Klabunde.

David is survived by his wife of 55 years, Peggy Bissen of Defiance; children: Ronda Bissen (Chad Anthony) of Harlan, Tina (Travis) Holdsworth of Denison, Chad (Julie) Bissen of Honey Creek and Travis (Vicki) Bissen of Defiance; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; siblings: Ted (Sharon) Bissen of Omaha, Nebraska, Tom (Maggie) Bissen of Defiance, Jim (Donda) Bissen of Buckeye, Arizona, Martha Fawcett of Omaha, Nebraska, Dianne Goeres of Defiance and Janet (John) Bruck of Portsmouth; many nieces and nephews; and other family members and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial and military honors will be held privately with the family at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance. His Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at St. Peter’s Parish Center.