David Plugge

Private family graveside services for David Plugge, age 79, of Norfolk, Nebraska will be held at Iowa Valley Cemetery in Madison, Nebraska.

There will be a public celebration of Dave's life this spring at a date to be determined when his grandson returns from his Army deployment.

Home for Funerals in Norfolk is in charge of arrangements.

David died Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Stanton Health Center in Stanton, Nebraska.

David Julius Plugge was born on November 10, 1945, to Julius and Bernice Plugge of Madison. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity United Methodist Church in Madison. David graduated from Madison High School in 1964. He married the love of his life, Sharon Novotny, on June 4, 1966, at Trinity United Methodist Church.

Dave began his career as a heavy equipment operator after graduation. He worked for Madison County Road Crew, the city of Madison, and ended his career after thirty-three years with the Nebraska State Department of Roads. After retiring from the DOR, he enjoyed working for Madison Public Schools, driving students to and from Madison to the Eastern Learning Center in Norfolk every day.

Dave served with the Nebraska Army Reserves from 1964 to 1970 and is a member of American Legion Post 35. He was a volunteer with the Madison Volunteer Fire Department and served on many committees at Trinity United Methodist Church, including SPPRC, MYF sponsor, and financial secretary. On Husker game days you could find him cheering loudly or yelling at the TV.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Sharon of Norfolk, NE; daughters, Mishelle (Jeff) Fields of Lincoln, NE and Kelly (Brett) Smith of Lakeville, MN. His four grandchildren, Briar Smith of Denver, CO, Keegan (Tegan) Smith of Manhattan, KS, Kelsey Fields of Lincoln, NE and Kaden Fields of Madison, SD were the lights of his life! He is also survived by his two loving sisters, Sharon Prauner and Janice Prauner, both of Battle Creek, NE.

David was preceded in life by his brother, Otis; his parents; and his father and mother-in-law, Donald and MaryAnn Novotny.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Stanton Health Center, Heritage at Fountain Point Memory Care, or St. Croix Hospice.