Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Desert Sunset Funeral Home

3081 W. Orange Grove Road

Tucson, Arizona

David Druml Obituary

David J. Druml passed away suddenly of heart failure on Sunday morning, November 22, 2009. He was 61 years old. Dave was born on August 8, 1948 in Milwaukee, WI. He graduated from the Milwaukee Institute of Engineering with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering. After graduation, he worked for Rockwell-Collins in Cedar Rapids, IA for several years. He moved back to Milwaukee and worked for GE Medical Systems until 1978. He then joined Hughes Aircraft Corporation in Canoga Park, CA. He transferred to Tucson, AZ in 1981, where he continued to work for Hughes until 1990. Dave started up his business, Pyrite Enterprises where he worked as an independent contractor designing circuit cards for the next two years. He then went on to Pima College and received an Associate's Degree in Computer Science. In 1994 Dave pursued a Master's Degree in Computer Science at the University of Phoenix. He graduated Summa cum Laude in 1996. After graduating, he began his teaching career at Pima College-West Campus. He had plans in place to retire at the end of the current semester. Dave was a passionate Green Bay Packer fan who for his 60th birthday fulfilled a life-long dream and attended a Packer game in Lambeau Field. Dave also enjoyed playing cards with friends and RV'ing. He also loved organizing vacation trips and social events with friends. Dave is survived by his loving wife, Marlene Tompkins of Tucson whom he married July 12, 1980; his brother, Donald (Joy) Druml of Milwaukee, WI; his mother-in-law and gambling buddy, Anne Tompkins; his brothers-in-law, Thomas (Nancy) Tompkins, Joseph (Theresa) Tompkins; his sisters-in-law, Catherine Tompkins, Lorraine Tompkins (Kevin Moriarity), Marian (John) Peticca and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John and mother, Ethel and father-in-law, William Tompkins. A Celebration of Dave's life is planned for Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. in Wilson Room at Tohono Chul Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Arthritis Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to DESERT SUNSET FUNERAL HOME (297-9007).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for David Druml

Not sure what to say?





Keith McLeod

August 3, 2010

Marlene
I was hoping to catch up with David. I was part of David's Study Group at the University of Phoenix. Too much time has passed. We had much fun working on those UofP projects together. I will miss David. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good man...

May 24, 2010

Dave,
I can't believe it's been 6 months since I lost you. I told you that day that I didn't even know all the ways I would miss you. I'm still finding more.
Love always,
Marlene

December 9, 2009

Marlene:
I was so sorry to hear about Dave's passing. He always seemed to have a smile and found the fun in almost any situation (including work!)
Pat Melton

December 7, 2009

Marlene: I was shock to hear of Dave's sudden passing. My memories go all the way back to the proposal days in Canoga Park, in 1979 I believe. The Tucson producibility group fighting (just kidding here) the CP powers to get what we needed with Dave leading the way. The days in Micro were fun also. Sorry I couldn't be there on Saturday to celebrate Dave's life but my thought and prayers are with you and your family.
Van Pruitt

Jim Kraska

December 3, 2009

Marlene:
Connie and I were very sad to hear of Dave's sudden passing. His infectious smile and laugh had a positive effect on everyone he met. Dave's memory will live on in our hearts and the hearts of all who grew to know him.

Nancy Jensen

December 2, 2009

Marlene,

Dave was my first mentor at Hughes, and taught me many valuable lessons. He inspired me to become a Project Engineer, and that launched my career. I'll miss his laugh and smile and how good he always made everyone feel.

Spring 2009 Pima CC Retirement Party

Ron Evans

December 2, 2009

Marlene and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
I was in the office next to Dave, the man in black. It was the privilege of all of us to work with him and we shall miss him.
I had given him a Dave Dudley "Six Days on the Road" CD and he was ready to roll with it in his RV.
Let's roll with Dave.

Steve Hoell

December 2, 2009

I handled student evaluations for two of his courses, and I never saw anything less than the highest marks. He was an absolutely top-flight instructor. May his memory be eternal.

Teresa Campbell

December 1, 2009

Marlene and family.

It's still hard to absorb the reality of Dave's sudden passing. I find myself thinking of him often. He and I were in the 1998 New Faculty Learning Academy together when we started teaching full time at Pima. We found a common ground since we had both worked at Hughes Tucson and Canoga Park. Dave's office at Pima is only a few doors down from mine -- I really miss his stopping by to say "Hi" or "Have a good weekend". He was looking forward to coming to my book signing, and we had talked about meeting up in Spain this Spring. Unfortunately, I won't be able to join you in the Celebration of Dave's life because I'll be out of town that day. I can only imagine it will be a wonderful tribute. It would have been nice to meet you, Marlene, since Dave spoke so highly of you. Sending positive healing thoughts your way...Hugs--tc

December 1, 2009

Marlene and family,
Dave was a fantastic colleague and wonderful instructor. His humor and perspective helped me always.
Sincerely,
Mary Beth Ginter, Dean at PCC

Larry Paholski

December 1, 2009

My deepest sympathy, Marlene. Dave and I shared the poker experience on many occasions, and he helped me survive my courses in C/C++/C#, when I was ready to go jump off a bridge somewhere until the little light finally went on thanks to him. He made my life better, which is the highest praise I know how to give.

April McAlister

November 30, 2009

We were very saddened and stocked to hear of Dave's passing. Dave was my husband and my computer teacher this semester- Great teacher and person. He will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayer are with you and your family.
Kevin and April McAlister

Karla Liberty Kerr

November 30, 2009

I am saddened by the loss of a great person! I first met Dave in 1998. He helped me find my true love of computers. I was both a student and co-worker of his at Pima until 2002. We shared many debates in jest about football, among other topics, he as a Packers fan and me as a Bears fan. It was always a good time in the fall. I am so happy he made it to Lambeau field. What an experience that must have been for him.

My heart felt sympathies for your family and all that knew him. Dave will be missed greatly.

God bless!

Brian McCarthy

November 30, 2009

Marlene,
We were very saddened and shocked to hear of Dave’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Our memories of the Micro days are truly treasures!
Brian & Donna McCarthy

Jack VanSchoyck

November 30, 2009

Dear Marlene,

Candace and I were surprised by the notice of Dave's death. Please accept our sympathies. I recall with fond memories the times we enjoyed at Hughes Aircraft and the Wednesday golf with other retirees. Dave had a wonderful sense of humor and a great outlook on life. He will be missed.

Laura Cain

November 29, 2009

Marlene -

I was so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. My heart goes out to you as I saw the joy on your face as you were getting ready to retire and spend time with Dave. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Robert Zarzyczny

November 29, 2009

Our condolences to Marlene and her family. Betty and I both worked with Dave in Microelectronics at Hughes. We shared a lot of work experiences some serious and some hilariously funny.
Betty and Bob Zarzyczny

Mary Beth Ginter

November 29, 2009

I am so shocked and saddened Dave was a fantastic colleague and gifted instructor. You are all in my thoughts. Mary Beth Ginter (Division Dean)

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

Make a Donation
in David Druml's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for David Druml

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Desert Sunset Funeral Home

3081 W. Orange Grove Road, Tucson, AZ 85741

How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David Druml's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more