David Alan Foss

LECLAIRE, Iowa — David Alan Foss, age 69, of LeClaire, Iowa, formerly of Hudson, Wis., passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 3, 2008, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. He was born the son of Wallace Henry Sr. "W.H." and Emily (Bourdon) Foss on Nov. 2, 1938, in Minneapolis, Minn.

He attended Nelson Elementary in Stillwater and Fern Hill Grade School in St. Louis Park prior to graduating from Hudson High School in the class of 1956. He furthered his studies at the University of Wisconsin — River Falls with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. He would eventually earn a master's and PhD from Michigan Technology University in physical chemistry.

He proudly served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1962.

On June 18, 1966, he was united in marriage to Susan Arnoldt in Traverse City.

David worked for John Deere in Iowa in the chemistry paint division for several years. Following this, he worked for the government at the Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois as a group leader.

He was an avid golfer who enjoyed trying out new courses and snowmobiling — especially in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He also appreciated the beauty of taking a sightseeing trip and traveling about with Susan. Although a known chemist, he was also a gifted scientist, who used his knowledge to help Susan through many difficult days when her health was failing.

David will remain in the hearts of his wife, Susan; sister, Joyce Johnson of Roberts; brothers, Joe (Ruth) Foss of Hudson and Bob (Laurie) Foss of Oakdale, Minn.; brother-in-law, Roy (Laurea) Arnoldt of LasCruses, N.M.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace Henry Sr. "W.H." and Emily (Bourdon) Foss; brother, Wallace Henry Jr.; brother-in-law, Lauren Johnson; nephew, LeRoy Johnson; and sister-in-law, Barbara Arnoldt.

There will be a time to reflect and celebrate David's life today, Sept. 6, from 2 until 4 p.m., at the O'Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, Wis. To pay tribute to his service in the United States Army, the Hudson VFW will perform military honors at 4 p.m. Cremation services have been coordinated by the O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin.

A memorial service gathering will also be held on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 5 until 7 p.m., at Weerts Funeral Home, 3625 Jersey Ridge Road, Davenport, Iowa 52807-2226. Interment will be private at a later date.

Memorials are preferred.

Funeral services have been coordinated by the O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, Wis.; www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com.

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.