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David McFarland Obituary

David Alexander McFarland

April 29, 1948-December 6, 2020

ROCK ISLAND-David Alexander McFarland, 72, of Rock Island, passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House surrounded by family. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, memorial services were delayed. A memorial service will be held Friday, July 16, 2021 at 12PM. The McFarland Family invites his friends and family to join them for a Celebration of Life Luncheon directly following the service. Both will be held at the Quad City Botanical Center in Rock Island, Illinois.

David was born April 29, 1948 to Charles Douglas McFarland and Sue M. McFarland, in Shelbyville, Tennessee. His family moved to Alabama, and he later relocated to Rock Island, Illinois, while working on his MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Iowa. He married Julie Coyne (Johnston) of Rock Island on September 26, 1983. Afterwards he taught English and literature at Black Hawk College, Scott Community College, Augustana College, and St. Ambrose University, among others. In 2019 he was named Adjunct Professor Emeritus at Black Hawk College. He was a faithful member of Central Church of Christ in Davenport, Iowa.

Mr. McFarland's memory lives on in his wife, Julie; two children, Alexander McFarland of Rock Island, and Camille Brandt (Timothy) of Parker, Colorado; one grandchild, Annabelle Rose Brandt; brothers Phillip Rodney and James Michael McFarland, and numerous nieces and nephews.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Rock Island Dispatch Argus on Jul. 11, 2021.

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Kirsten Runburg

August 5, 2021

Julie and family, I´m sorry for your loss. I was a student of David´s almost 40 years ago. I worked at Rick Island Whitey´s sometimes and would see him there for a few years after I was his student. Although I lost touch with him, I will always remember him as a great encourager. He inspired confidence in me as a writer and also as a person. I always enjoyed seeing him. I know your loss is great. I pray you are comforted in great memories of love and laughter.

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Memorial service

12:00 p.m.

IL

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Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home - Rock Island

3030 - 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201

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