David Leon Sturm

GREENE - Funeral services for David L. Sturm, 65, of Greene, will be 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at the North Butler High School Gymnasium with the Rev. Msgr. Walter Brunkan officiating.

Visitation will be on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene.

David Leon Sturm was born on June 3, 1947, in Red Oak, Montgomery County, Iowa, the son of Cleo Leon and Alfreda (Reynolds) Sturm and died Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, at Central Methodist Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

Dave received his education in the Clearfield public schools, graduating in 1965. He then attended Northwest Missouri State, graduating in 1970.

Beginning in 1970-1972 he taught industrial technology in Britt then taught physical education in Keota for three years.

In 1977 he moved to Greene where he taught industrial technology and physical education. Dave held this teaching position in Greene for over 26 years. Dave's football coaching career spanned 36 years. He spent 30 years as a head coach and authored a career record of 167-106.

He started with a three-year stint in Keota and then from 1977 until his retirement in 2003 he coached Greene to an impressive 165-81 mark that included three conference titles and two district championships.

Known for being a strong fundamentalist, he took the Rams to seven playoff appearances from 1981-2002. While at Greene he was also involved as a wrestling coach, headed the golf team and helped coach girls basketball for two years, he also taught drivers education for many years, and was a substitute teacher.

In 2005, Dave moved to Moab, Utah, where he helped coach football for one year, before returning to Greene. During that year, 2005, he lead the Red Devils to a state championship title. Prior to Dave's arrival, The Moab Red Devils had a past record of winning just one game between 2000-2002, and never more than three wins in a season, until they climbed to the top of the heap in 2005 and took the state title.

In 2011, Dave was inducted into the Iowa High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Most recently Dave continued to substitute teach and was employed as a driver for Windstar Lines, a job that he greatly enjoyed.

Dave was previously married to JoEllen Pitcher. This union was blessed with three daughters: Jessica Ellen, Maria Lynn and Christina Rose.

Dave was described as a great man, an amazing father and the best Grandpa ever. Dave was well known and well liked by so many. He has impacted so many lives as an educator and a coach. He was respected by his students and his players by encouraging and demanding their best effort.

Dave was a caring and captivating person who could tell the best stories and jokes. Dave had a love and interest for all sports. He enjoyed playing golf with friends and riding motorcycle in his free time. He would look forward to the daily phone call he would have with his brother, Duane. Dave was very close to his three daughters and embraced his grandchildren with more love than you can imagine. Dave greatly enjoyed traveling and working for Windstar Lines. He was excited to learn about the groups he would be driving and their destinations. It was with great ease that Dave met new people. His personality was so big and he captured the hearts of many. Dave will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. His daughters have expressed how truly proud he should feel about the name he made for himself and his legacy.

Living family members include his daughters: Jessica (Dave), Maria (Darrell), and Christina (Gabe); 6 grandchildren: Isabella, Lyla, Sienna, Judah, Lily and Lux. His 2 brothers: Duane (Susan) Sturm, Dale Sturm; one sister-in-law, Wanda Sobotka; his Aunt Cora Lou (Bill) King. 6 nieces: Kim, Melissa, Mariah, Meghan, Madison, McKenzie. 5 nephews: Rob, Brian, Kyle, Keaton, Quentin; two faithful canine companions: Jackson and Laya.

Dave was preceded in death by his grandchild, Tristan, his parents and one brother, Dennis.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Dave Sturm Memorial Fund, Box 219, Greene, IA 50636.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St. Greene, Iowa, 641-823-4457 www.reidsfuneralchapel.com.