David Burrows

1949 - 2026

David Nelson Burrows (76) originally of Davenport, IA passed away at his home in Apollo Beach, Florida on January 26, 2026 after a battle with ALS.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father- Calvin and Jeanne Burrows- and a brother Dan (Peggy) Burrows.

He will be remembered fondly and dearly missed by his wife- Lori Burrows, his sons- Chris Burrows (Laura), Curt Frommelt, and Matt Frommelt, his daughters- Lydia Swailes (Randy) and the daughter of his heart Nichol Nichols, and his grandchildren- Ella and Eli Swailes, Race and Lola Skiles, Hattie and Sully Burrows, Rhye Swailes, Lily and Matty Frommelt, and Noah and Eli Mergen.

He attended Davenport West High School followed by the University of Iowa. He eventually graduated from St. Ambrose.

He had a long career in marketing and advertising. He owned and ran an advertising agency - Shaffer Burrows with his then wife Denise Burrows. He was the executive officer for the Quad Cities Home Builders. They represented many local businesses. They also organized and ran large scale events through the Home Builders, the Mississippi Valley Fair, and the QCCA Expo Center.

In the second act of his life he worked hard to step back from things that no longer served him in order to better himself. He was dedicated to helping others do the same.

He met and later married the love of his life- Lori. At that time he moved to Dubuque, IA. Together they enjoyed travel, good meals, their long haired German Shepards, but most of all their children and grandchildren. They were devoted to each other.

He loved to take his family on adventures. He was known to orchestrate his famous "eleventh restaurant night" which lead the dining in some very interesting locales. Inevitably once seated he would begin to catapult creamer or jelly across the table using his fork. He would then swiftly blame the nearest small child.

Dave made it a point to be present in the lives of his children and grandchildren in whatever way he could. He was only a phone call away. Through college, marriages, the birth of children, and divorces he supported his children. Later he would make the drive between Dubuque and Davenport countless times for babysitting, sleepovers with Nana and P-pa, and innumerable grandchildren's activities and events. He made an indelible mark on their hearts.

He was an avid, life-long Chicago Cubs fan. When they won the World Series he had a small existential crisis as if the Cubs no longer losing made him lose his true north. He was able to find himself again once spring training started up and he began coaching again from the comfort of his living room. His family is certain he regrets not living to see another Cubs' World Series win, but that only happens every 108 years.

In their third act he and Lori packed up to move to Apollo Beach, Florida to be close to their two youngest grandchildren. Sadly shortly after settling in he had multiple medical issues and was diagnosed with ALS.

It wasn't long after his diagnosis that he proclaimed, "If I have to die at least it has something to do with baseball". His faith was strong and he was certain he would be met on the other side by his pack of loving dogs who had been waiting for his arrival.

Throughout his illness he was cared for lovingly by his devoted wife. Her unending support and patience made his last days joyful and as comfortable as possible. Their relationship was a true testament to in sickness and in health, the sanctity of marriage, and true love.

Of all his stories his children remember most his adventures on Mount Walcott. He snuck his father's hunting rifle, slung it over his handle bars, and pedaled up the mountain on his bike. When he reached the top he was able snag a trophy buck. Little did he know, the deer was only stunned. He loaded the deer onto his back, hooked the feet into the pedals, and began the ride home. The deer woke up and began to pedal with him. They began careening down the mountain side nearly speeding out of control.

Dave Burrows, it was damn good to know you. You will be so very missed.

Services will be occurring in Davenport at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to help cover funeral costs. Tampa Cremation 813-412-5070. Additional donations could be directed to HARK-ALS at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/hark-als/hark-als-donations