David Kraybill

David Michael Kraybill, known affectionately as Dave, passed away on June 24, 2024, at the age of 67 in Sebastopol, California. Born on April 5, 1957, in Madison, Wisconsin, Dave grew into a kind, soft-spoken, and brilliant individual who touched the lives of many as a brother, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. Dave lived a full life, spending his childhood and early adult life on the East Coast and settling on the West Coast after relocating for his naval service, where he met his wife and began a family in San Diego, California. After spending 28 years happily with his family and working to support them, they as well as his community were shocked when he passed away due to a sudden heart attack. In remembrance of Dave, contributions can be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 27 of the Redwood Council.

Surviving Dave are his wife, Mary (Yates) Kraybill, children Ian, Maeve, and Amanda (Kraybill) Contreras, along with Amanda's husband Malfi and their children Alex, Jordan, and Nicolas. He is also survived by his brothers Bob, Walt (wife Stephanie), and John Kraybill, as well as several nieces and nephews including Jake (wife Adrianna), Josh (wife Amanda), Joe (partner Shelby), Allie, and Max Kraybill. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Ann (Short) Kraybill. His love for music, community, and family will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born as the first child of Mary Ann and William Kraybill, Dave grew up in Wisconsin, Illinois, and then Virginia with his mother and father and three brothers Bob, Walt, and John. Dave attended Bel Air High School and furthered his education at Old Dominion University in Virginia to study music, and later at Cuyamaca College in California to study IT. A versatile musician, he played the trumpet, coronet, guitar, and bass, often alongside his brothers as the quartet performed for visiting family members. From childhood and as a teen playing lead trumpet in the jazz ensemble in high school, music was a central part of his life. Before moving to California he had a daughter, Amanda, who survives him alongside her loving husband Malfi, and three children Alex, Jordan, and Nicolas. In his time on the West Coast, he never neglected to care for his family on the east. Above everything Dave cared for his family with patient love however close he was able to be to them, as his parents did for him and his brothers.

In his adult life on the West Coast, Dave proudly served in the Navy where he brought dedication and skill to his role. After his time in the Navy, he began working in the automotive industry as a Field Service Technician and a technical advisor to his peers, making significant contributions in his field. It was during this time that he met his wife Mary and settled down, having his two kids Ian and Maeve. As they grew up he always supported their interests, whether it was scouts, band, or ham radio - some even long after they were interested in them. 

As a result of supporting his children’s interests, Dave was deeply involved in his community, supporting local groups such as the Boy Scouts and the El Molino High School Band Boosters. He supported the Boy Scouts as a Scout Leader and earned 25 Merit Badges, going on to be a merit badge counselor for several of them. He joined the El Molino High School Friends of Music as a reflection of his lifelong passion for music, going on to serve as president. Beyond his professional and community life Dave was an enthusiastic member of the Sonoma County Radio Amateurs club, where he served as Treasurer and attended events regularly such as Jamboree on the Air to lend his support.

On the day of his passing the first responder to the 911 call was a Boy Scout leader he was familiar with, as was the manager of the funeral home where he was cremated. The reach of his community service spread so far that one of his associates in the Ham Radio was a member of the church that organized his memorial service. He is dearly missed by all who remember him, and his life serves as a reminder to us all that the way to leave a lasting impact on the world is to live humbly and serve others.