David L. Gansen

1951 - 2024

David L. Gansen, 72, of Hoffman Estates, IL (formerly from Cedar Rapids, IA) passed away unexpectedly at home on February 14, 2024. Arrangements are being made by Morizzo Funeral Home, Hoffman Estates, IL.

Dave was born in Cresco, IA on July 26, 1951 to Donald and Doris (Kurtz) Gansen. He was the second oldest of six children, growing up in Chester, IA, Gilmore City, IA, and spending the remainder of his childhood in Clear Lake, IA.

Dave joined the Marines after attending Clear Lake High School. He was stationed stateside at Camp Lejeune, NC, the Marine Corps Depot, San Diego, CA, and Camp Pendleton at Oceanside. After discharge, he moved back to Iowa.

In 1988, he married Kathleen (Quass) at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, IA. Soon after, buying their first home in Palo, IA, they were blessed with two wonderful, loving daughters.

Dave enjoyed spending time with his family, especially camping, fishing, watching the girls play sports, and spoiling his pets.

He was a handyman extraordinaire - a true Mr. Fix it. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

He was a member of the Painters Union, worked at General Mills, and was a Maintenance Supervisor.

In 2018, his family moved to Illinois. One of his greatest joys was being a Papa (Grandpa). He loved playing with his four grandchildren.

Dave is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Kathy, his children Chad Gansen, Heidi Gansen (Becky Hinsley), Jessica (Michael) Widener; grandchildren Bennett, Maddox, Rose, and Monroe; siblings Fran (Dick) Miltenberger, Mason City, IA, Rich Gansen, Clear Lake, IA, Brenda Gansen, Mason City, IA, Kenny (Elaine) Gansen, Jewel, IA, and Kathy (Steve) Brown, Mason City, IA; his brothers and sisters in-law: Ron Quass, Livermore, CO, Jon (Mary) Quass, Mount Vernon, IA, Kevin (Connie) Quass, Burnsville, MN, Diane (Mike) McCoy, Red Feather Lakes, CO; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Doris Gansen; mother and father in-law, Donald and Helen Quass; sister in-law, Connie Gansen; and niece, Nikki Gansen.

The family would like to thank Dr. John Liu and his staff for the exceptional care they provided Dave.

Instead of sending flowers, the family would appreciate donations to help with final expenses.