Dave, 77, passed away on July 2, 2016, surrounded by family. They always admired how henever let his three-year battle with cancer diminish his positive attitude, his love of life, and his devotion to God. Dave was born on January 1, 1939, in El Dorado, Kansas, to Walter and Anne Zeckser. Heapplauds the merits of growing up in a small town, Holton, Kansas, because of the adventuresand "shananigans" it provided. He remained in Kansas to attend Kansas State University where he received two degrees, a B.S. and a M.S. Skiing lured him to Colorado, so he moved in 1965, where he resided for the rest of his life. Once in Colorado, a colorful life ensued. He met his wife, Lan Harding, of Denver, through an interview for a teaching job. To this day, she still believes several of his questions were inappropriate, and by today's standards, probably illegal. However, the end result was that they were married on July 3, 1972. Very briefly, they lived in Evergreen, then moved to Boulder where they have lived for the last forty-three years. Always a champion of learning, Dave earned his EdD from the University of Colorado in 1979. His entire professional career was dedicated to education. Among the three districts in which he worked - Littleton, Boulder, and Aurora - he was a counselor, a middle school assistant principal, a junior high principal, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education, and Associate Superintendent. He cites that his favorite time in his thirty-six years of education was as principal of Casey Junior High in Boulder (1972-1981). He remembers the dedicated and energized staff who loved teaching and exploring exemplary programs for students. Everyone at Casey cared deeply about everyone else. And the students thought he was rather cool since he rode to work on a motorcycle. Upon his retirement in 2000, Dave and Lan traveled extensively, played even more golf, gardened, read, volunteered, and played with the grandchildren. Dave continually referred to his own life as being powerfully enriched by his close friendships, his faith community, and his strong family bond. Family and friends often refer to him as "a legend." Dave is survived by his wife Lan and their three children: Paul (Anne); Nonie Wilder (Tim); and Tim (Abby). His love for them is immeasurable; then, he found a even more profound definitionof love with the arrival of six grandchildren: Keegan, Austin, Olivia, Lily, Holland, and Cooper. A seventh is on the way, and he is convinced he'll have "the best seat in the house" for watching her grow up. He is also survived by a sister, Diane Dudley of Lincoln, NE (John and Jenny). To honor a well-lived and blessed life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 8th, at 10:30 AM at Grace Lutheran Church (his church of 42 years), 1001 13th Street, Boulder, CO. Contributions can be made to Grace Lutheran Church Foundation, 1001 13th Street, Boulder, CO or Lutheran Family Services, 363 So. Harlan St. #200, Denver, CO 80226. Please share thoughts, memories and condolences at legacy.com/obituaries/dailycamera

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Published by The Daily Camera on Jul. 6, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for David Zeckser

12 Entries

Jack Ryan

November 22, 2023

Mr Zeckser was my Eighth Grade social studies teacher. He was a very positive force in my learning. I had a great love for history and government. Also what a kind and caring and wonderful person he was. The year was 64/65. Manhattan Junior High. God bless David and God bless all of your family. Jack Ryan

Sue Clark

June 30, 2019

Dave was such a genuine human being and talented educator. He was a positive force in the life of so many people. My life is richer for having known him.

Homer Williams

December 3, 2016

So sorry to hear of Dave Zeckser passing. I was a fraternity brother from K State and remember him well with his quick wit and ready smile. My best to his family

Dave Wood

August 11, 2016

Dear Zeckser family,
I just learned of Dave's passing this week. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in your loss. His career and mine overlapped for many years at APS, and words cannot adequately express what a supportive, altruistic, talented colleague he was. Dave Wood

Sue Clark

August 9, 2016

Dear Lan, I just learned of Dave's passing from Mike Martin. I was so saddened and shocked. He is one of the finest people I have ever had the privilege of working with. He was such a kind and genuine person. I held him in such high regard and am so appreciative of being able to work with him for so many years. I remember so well the last time I saw him at your house for dinner. My only regret is that I allowed a crowded life to lose contact with you both. My thoughts are with you.

Dave standing at the entrance to Holton High.

John Bottenberg

July 15, 2016

John Nowlin

July 10, 2016

Dear Lan,

David was my classmate in Holton. We shared many hours just having fun playing and later studying together in high school. Although we went our separate ways, David to KSU and I to KU, we have remained in contact the past 60 years. When we were planning our last reunion, he replied with a very cheerful note about his family. He greeted the classmates through his email and we offered a prayer for him at our class gathering. We, the Class of 1956, will deeply miss our classmate. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Sincerely,

July 10, 2016

Dear Mrs. Zeckser,

It was a shock to hear about David's passing. I have many wonderful memories of him teasing and joking around with us when we had cheerleading practice in your backyard. What support and genuine caring each of us felt from the two of you.

Please know I am sending comfort, love and strength to you and your family.

Love ALWAYS,
Beth Arnold

Tracy Brennan

July 9, 2016

Dear Lan,
I was so sorry to read of David's death. Although I didn't know him, I want you to know I am thinking of you and praying for you and your family. I am inspired by the fact that you were both dedicated teachers who brought care and love to all of your students.
Love,
Tracy Brennan

Willie Knierim

July 7, 2016

Dear Zecksers, We are all diminished by the death of a good and beloved man. Dave was always a true and treasured friend and confidant... even when we were on opposite sides of the table. It is unfortunate that he was not able to be cloned! My high regard for him is shared as I remember the encounters and interactions which I have been privileged to share with other members of your family as well. Lan, you are the perfect compliment to Dave and were/are the best of the best. One of my most favorite students ever, Paul and I shared many delightful days together. Noni and Tim, it was a great experience to see you grow and progress and become giving, caring, loving people in the image of your parents. What a family! You have blessed so many in so many ways.
May you have a large measure of the peace, hope, and love of God, in Christ, during these difficult days. Willie

Jim Williams

July 6, 2016

David was a fine man and terrific human being, one of the few truly good guys that one has the opportunity to cross paths with in this life's journey. He was one of my all-time favorite colleagues, a true professional and great friend.

David was bright, creative, capable and committed. He worked hard and always gave his best effort. He was well read, knowledgeable, and thoughtful when making decisions. He had a soft heart and was sensitive and compassionate. He was a terrific team member, had a great sense of humor and worked effectively with and related easily and positively with his peers as well as members of the community.

David had high personal and professional standards, a strong value system ; he knew what was best for kids and made decisions according to those core values.

Thanks for just being David!

July 6, 2016

Dear Lan and the Zeckser Family,
I have always held Dave in the highest esteem. He was the single most influential person in my professional career. When we last spoke he referred to our years together at Casey as "The Camelot Years". Indeed! And that was largely due to Dave's superior progressive leadership and complete dedication. I'm certain he brought his unparalleled skill and genuine integrity to the numerous roles he played in Colorado education. I was blessed to have had Dave as my early mentor, and enjoyed his unwavering support and guidance throughout the years. I am honored to call him a treasured friend. Please know I share in your grief at the loss of such an outstanding and inimitable man.
With Deepest Sympathy and Sincere Love,
Barb (Arnold) Vogel

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