David Burke "Dave" Farrington

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, David "Dave" Burke Farrington, 85, passed away on August 19, 2025. Born on January 16, 1940, to Norton and Mary (Burke) Farrington in Ottumwa, Iowa, he was the second of five siblings. Mary later married Lester Klootwyk, who helped raise her five children.
In 1959, Dave married Sandy Pillars, and together they had five children: Scott, Sherry, Carol, Lyn, and Julie. Dave worked at Val Lanes Bowling Alley for 40 years, repairing pin-setting equipment for AMF. Over the years, Dave had many hobbies, including family vacations to either Colorado or Michigan, fishing, camping, boating, dinners with friends, breakfast with the Ol' Farts Club (they even had membership cards), flipping cars, and a love for Ford vehicles. He had a great sense of humor and could make anyone laugh.
After 36 years of marriage, Sandy passed away. In 1998, Dave met Judy Varellas, and they married exactly one year later. They were married for 26 years before his passing.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Norton Farrington and Mary Klootwyk; stepfather, Lester Klootwyk; brothers, Jon Farrington and Michael Farrington; brother-in-law, Gene Jensen; and sister-in-law, Arleen Farrington.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Farrington; children, David Scott (Beth) Farrington, Sherry Eklund, Carol (Brett) Daniels, Lyn (Mark) Choate, and Julie (Gary) Verwers; stepdaughter, Vickie (Larry) Thomas; and stepson, Bryan (Jennifer) Varellas; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and one on the way; sisters, Mary Kay Jensen and Sue Hagedorn; brother-in-law, Denny Hagedorn; and many other extended family members.
Services will be held at St. Joseph's Church, 3300 Easton Blvd. in Des Moines, with a Rosary at 4:30 p.m., followed by visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22. There will be time for sharing memories from 5:30-6:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will be on Saturday, August 23, at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Following the burial at Rising Sun Cemetery, a luncheon will be held at the church.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Church or St. Jude's in Dave's honor.
Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel.
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