David William Legler

1948 - 2024

David (Dave) William Legler

February 14, 1948 - August 30, 2024

David (Dave) William Legler, age 76, passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024, in his home after battling for many years with Myasthenia Gravis, Parkinsons, Dementia and the effects of a stroke he suffered in 2023. A celebration of life will be held in the Quad Cities at a later date.

Dave was born on February 14, 1948, in Minneapolis, MN to William F. Legler and Mary M (Mehlin) Legler. He grew up in Faribault, MN and moved to Bettendorf, IA at the age of 16. He graduated from Bettendorf High School in 1966. He briefly attended Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, IA.

Dave met Deedie (Cox) on a blind date in 1968 and they were married October 25, 1969 in Rock Island, IL. They resided in Rapids City, IL for 45 years before relocating to Kansas and Georgia in 2020. He worked at 3M in Cordova, IL for 32.5 years until he retired as a lab technician in 2006.

Dave was very active in the RICAP Youth Softball League in the 80's and 90's as a coach, umpire and in various other positions including being an avid fan. Regardless of whether he was going anywhere, he enjoyed wearing his shoes. His faith was very important to him and he was an active member of Rapids City Christian Church (1972 to 1995), Bettendorf Christian Chruch (1995 to 2019) and Anchor Church in Loganville, GA (2022 until the time of his passing).

Dave discovered his love of Hawaiian shirts on one of his many cruises which was his favorite way to travel. Who knew there was an Iowa Hawkeye Hawaiian shirt???

Dave loved most sports but especially enjoyed baseball (go Cubs!) and college football (go Hawkeyes!). He also liked to coach the Cubs from his recliner and could often be heard shouting "encouragement" at the TV...from several houses away.

One of Dave's greatest joys was trivia, whether it was playing in Blue Grass or many other local events, on the cruise ships, organizing fund-raising events, watching his son and grandson play Scholastic Bowl or asking each other questions around the house. His love of trivia has passed down to his children and grandchildren. The highlight of Dave's "trivial pursuits" was when he and his son David were featured on the gameshow TwentyOne in 2000. "Put it in the bank!" His love of reading and learning led to his encyclopedic knowledge of 1950's and 60's music, sports, Hollywood scandals, history, presidents and more all of which made him a great trivia partner.

Dave had a special connection with all animals, especially the many MANY family pets. Some of his beloved furry friends stayed close by his side during his final weeks: Petey, Max, Luna, Lulu and Coco.

The family wishes to send special thanks to all of those who helped care for Dave in the last several years. Especially Elizabeth and Princia from Inspire Hospice and Palliative Care who provided tremendous support to Dave and the whole family during his final weeks at home.

Dave is survived by his wife of 54 years, son David Legler of Overland Park, KS, and daughters Wendy Anderson and Tami Roberts of Dacula, GA. Also his grandchildren Andrew Roberts of Dacula, GA, Savannah Legler of Ithaca, NY and Charlotte Legler and Catherine Legler of Olathe, KS.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Chuck Legler, his sister Trudi Saarivirta and some of his beloved furry friends including Caesar, LiShu, Chocolate, Dinky, Boo, Slick, Fiona and Parker.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Dave's honor at KingsHarvestPetRescue.org or in person or by mail at 2504 West Central Park AVE, Davenport, IA 52804 or by phone at 563-386-3117.