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Dave Tschopp Obituary
In 1976, Dave began his banking career with First Bank in Vail, CO. In 1985, First Bank of Palm Desert opened in a double-wide trailer with Dave at the helm. He retired in 2002 after 26 years of service.
Community service included positions on the Economic Development Advisory Committee, Cal State San Bernardino Advisory Board, Mid-Valley YMCA Board of Directors, Advisory Board of the Habitat for Humanity, Regional Access Project Foundation and the Palm Desert Planning Commission.
Dave loved studying religion and history. He traveled to Vindolanda, England with the archaeological dig team at Hadrian's Wall and enjoyed that immensely. Much fun was had back home in Iowa trout fishing with his family.
Dave was truly loved by his son David, fiancee Mimi, brother Mark (Marsha), sister Debbie, sister Deanna (Dale), nephew Mark (Meredith), nephew Michael, niece Megan, grand-nephew Sam, his cat Bob and too many friends to name.
Private services will be held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dave Tschopp
Zoro
June 15, 2025
Happy Father´s Day.
Zoro
June 15, 2025
Happy Father´s day to the best dad I never met.
Zoroaster
May 4, 2025
Your dad is proud of you.
David Tschopp
October 9, 2024
I miss my Dad Still. I try everyday to feel his advice in my life, but I can't, he was just so beyond love and being wise and cool. Almost 2 decades later I could not have asked ask for a man who tucked me up in at night as a son, loved me through everything he went through as a incredible father and Man... I miss him. I was so blessed to be his Son. My Dad was the best person ever. Time doesn't heal all.. sometimes we just literally lose a great human being and soul. Man I love my Dad so much, he was such a incredible person.
Zoroaster
May 10, 2024
I love you.
Bob Peat
May 8, 2019
Terrible, brutal loss to my sister, your family, and so many others. Rest in peace.
Harold Johnson
January 7, 2009
I knew Dave for only one week, in the summer of 2006 digging at Vindolanda. I've got an album full of wonderful pictures of a walk that many of us took through the Lakes District on a day off. He and I clowned around, we grumbled at the seemingly endless climbs around every corner. Dave made me laugh, made me feel welcome in his presence. I always hoped to meet up with him again one summer at the Twice Brewed Inn and raise a pint. I'm very glad I got a chance to meet and know him. And I'm very sorry for your loss.
Megan Tschopp
August 25, 2008
Dave was/is such a huge part of my life! When you think about what makes a person great, I can't think of an aspect that Dave lacked. What a great, sarcastic sense of humor, laid back personality and yet a consistent motivation to continually make a change for the better around him whether it be for the community or in the lives of the people directly in his life. A generous heart with an understanding for the importance of working hard and earning what you have. I feel that I know what a huge and guiding force he was in my life because I feel his influence and envision his role model on a daily basis in my life. Along with my father, he is the man I measure every man in my life to. I love and miss him dearly.
betsy oliver
August 3, 2008
as the song goes -
if there's a rock and roll heaven, you know they've got a hell of a band!
and we know who's right up there at the edge of the stage diggin' all the action and the music.
save a spot, dave!
Molly-Jo Brink
July 2, 2008
My deepest sympathies go out to Dave's family. He was such a great person and deserved many more years here on earth. He always welcomed me with open arms whenever I came to visit David! May he rest in peace and watch over his friends and family from above.
Jim McCaughey
June 27, 2008
To "Little Dave", Mimi, Mark, and all of Dave's family, you have my deepest sympathy. I knew Dave for about 25 years and worked for him for 19 years. I have tried to write this several times, but could not finish. Over the years, Dave and I attended several funerals together. After every one, he would state, I will not have anything like that, I just want people to have a beer or two and give me a little toast. So Dave, here is to you, thanks for being a great friend!!
Grant Miller
June 18, 2008
Dave was a close friend all through Junior High and H.S. I recall many many enjoyable and enlightening times in his presence. Dave was always confident, honest and true to everyone around him. Dave's integrity was palpable.... He was always a team player and great role model on the football, wrestling and baseball teams. I regret not keeping in better contact with him.
Martin Fry
June 18, 2008
I was shocked to hear about Dave's passing. I knew Dave as he was a year ahead of me at Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids. He was a great person and a great football player. I know he will be missed by many.
Dave Miller
June 17, 2008
Graduated from High School with Dave and played football with him at Cedar Rapids Jefferson. Also grew up in the same neigborhood together. Dave was a funny, smart, and a tough kid. Our sympathy goes out to all of his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Sophie Cringle
June 10, 2008
Dave will be sorely missed by everyone who spent time with him at Vindolanda and the Twice Brewed Pub, where we rarely stopped laughing when he was around! My deepest condolences to all his family and friends.
Felicity Marsden
June 9, 2008
Dave was great fun to dig with at Vindolanda and will be sorely missed.
Eddie Bushell
June 9, 2008
With much sorrow I learn that I won't be digging with Dave again at Vindolanda . A great fellow who will be much missed and talked about on Hadrian's wall this year by many who will miss him. Eddie Bushell
Lloyd and Susan Shigenaga
June 8, 2008
David, we valued our time that we knew you and we will miss you very much. We know how connected you were to Iowa and we are happy to know that you are finally home. Your commitment to the community is exemplary and a fine indication of the person you were. Our prayers and sympathies go to your family, especially David, and we know you are at peace in God's hands
Jean Benson
June 6, 2008
Dave was a true gentle - man and so dedicated to everything he did. We will always be grateful for the guidance he gave to us as a committee/commission member and a true friend. We will miss him greatly.
Jean Benson
Mayor
Justin Blake
June 6, 2008
I met Dave at Vindolanda when he appeared as a volunteer to excavate. His personality never failed to lift the atmosphere and everyone around him. I remember fondly many great conversations about history, religion and trout fishing. Dave will be sorely missed at Vindolanda and I know that everyone who works there would like to pass on their deepest sympathy to Dave's family.
Twice Brewed Inn England
June 6, 2008
Dave was a great guy with loads of energy and enthusiasm. The few times he came over were enough to consider him a good friend. His air guitar will be missed and he will be remembered well even though he didn't encourage Andy Williams enough to do a gig!!!!! From all at the TWICEY!!!
Sally Sergent
June 6, 2008
I was saddened to hear of Dave's passing and spent some time with his co-workers yesterday at 1st Bank. Their expressions of love and grief were palpable. Dave will be greatly missed with his premature passing.
My condolences to his family and loved ones.
Trudi Buck
June 6, 2008
I knew Dave from digging at Vindolanda together and am very sad to hear about his passing. He was a fantastic guy to excavate with and he will be sorely missed.
Sheila Gilligan
June 5, 2008
Jerry and I were blessed by Dave's friendship for over 32 years.l He was absolutely a best friend. His intelligence, his integrity, his quick wit, and especially his sincereity made all of us who knew him the better for it. The love he had for his son, David Jr., was immeasurable and defined the word father. I know Dave will always be with us because he left each of us with something special to carry forward. He will remain in my heart my best friend, and I think he knew that.
Anthea Smith
June 5, 2008
I am very sad to hear of the death of Dave and he will be missed at Vindolanda where we had good times excavating and enjoying a beer or 2 in the Twice Brewed pub. He will be sadly missed at the excavation and at the pub quiz where his leg guitar was legendary! It was a pleasure to have known him and he has left us with many happy memories.
Richard Kelly
June 5, 2008
Dave was a quiet, dedicated leader having served on various committees and commissions for the City of Palm Desert over a period of many years. He was loved by all at the City and will be greatly missed.
Dick Kelly
Councilmember
Ryan Stendell
June 5, 2008
I am still shocked about the loss of Dave. It amazed me that through everything his positive attitude and commitment to others. He will be greatly missed by myself and others. I hope he knew how much his commitment meant to me.
Remus Haste
June 4, 2008
I am very saddened by Dave's passing. I had the privilege to know Dave personally and professionally for almost 20 years. He was a role model and mentor to many, he led by example, he always showed compassion to others, he was always humble and never arrogant. He possessed an incredible level of honesty and integrity. I feel so very fortunate to have known him. I will miss his friendship. Mimi, you and the Tschopp Family are in my thoughts and prayers
Patricia Scully
June 4, 2008
The Palm Desert community really lost someone special with Dave's passing. Knowing him brought immeasurable sunshine into my life and I will miss his humor, kindness, talents, and barbs more than I can say. The sadness at losing him is compensated only by the privilege and joy of being able to call him my friend.
Rachelle Klassen, City Clerk
June 4, 2008
My deepest sympathy goes out to Dave's family and friends. Dave was truly a gentleman leader in our community, and it was my good fortune to have made his acquaintance and work with him through the City, if only for a few years. He epitomized everything good about being a native Iowan--a reserve, hard-working, yet fun-loving, spirit that serves us well, no matter where we end up in our journey through life. Our prayers are with you all.
Becky & Ken Kurtz
June 2, 2008
We will sadly miss Dave. What I am struck most by was his courage in facing this disease -- and his good humor. Susie reminded me of his classic line: "This? It's just a flesh wound," he'd joke. He and Mimi took the bad news and the good news in stride and lived every day with joy. A lesson that we shall not soon forget.
Jeanine Kelly
May 29, 2008
I had the amazing pleasure of working for Dave at Firstbank. He was a larger than life man. You could feel his warmth when he was near. He was always kind, always. And, he had a wonderful sense of humor with a great smile to match. I am saddened by his passing. Having known him is one of the blessings in my life that I thank God for.
Cindy LaLonde-Nichols
May 29, 2008
A man of great KINDNESS, INTEGRITY, and WARMTH. Just an all-around NICE GUY! The thoughts that pass through my mind when thinking of Dave Tschopp. Having known him many years back as a professional, a father and a friend, and given the opportunity to work for him at FirstBank under his most gracious helm, I was greatly saddened by the news of his passing. My sons and I extend our sincere condolences to his son, David, all loved ones, family and friends.
Sincerely, Cindy LaLonde-Nichols and Family
John 14:1-2
Diana Baiza
May 29, 2008
My heart is utterly broken. Dave was the best man I've ever known (besides my Father). I had the extreme blessing of having worked for him at FirstBank. Spending 6 years in service to our country, I had many "bosses" whom I worked for and greatly respected. But NONE compare to Dave. HE was an awesome leader. There will remain an emptyness in my heart, until I get to see him again, in heaven. Love you Dave & miss you greatly.
Mary Haste
May 28, 2008
I am extremly saddened by Dave's passing. I had the privilage to work for Dave for 14 years and feel so very fortunate to have known him. What a wonderful person. I will never forget his great smile, his humble nature and especially his friendship. Mimi, you and the Tschopp Family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Van Tanner
May 27, 2008
I have had the pleasure to serve on the board of the Family YMCA of the Desert and also to sit with him on the Palnning Commission for the City of Palm Desert. He was truly dedicated to each of these two passions. David was a leader, he would listen to what everyone had to say then would do what was right for the betterment of the City or the YMCA. I will miss working with Dave, he will be tough to replace.
To his family, my prayers are with you in your time of loss.
Ariana Sandoval
May 23, 2008
He sounded like a very special loving person. Everyone who was close to him misses him teribly! I am sorry for the worlds loss of such a great man.
Dick Baxley
May 23, 2008
Dave, We are saddened by your passing. You gave much of yourself to our Community and the YMCA. You will be missed.
Shelley Cecil
May 21, 2008
I served with Dave on the Board of the YMCA - he was a wondeful man and a pleasure to work with. My prayers are with all of his friends and family.
Bob Peat
May 21, 2008
Dave's passing is a huge loss for our dearest sister Mimi and the entire Tschopp family. It is also a tremendous loss for Mimi's family the Peat's. We wish we had you with us for so much longer, but we are grateful for the time we shared together.
Bob Peat & Barbara Flanagan
Ted and Angie Oliver
May 21, 2008
Mimi,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and Dave's family. Words alone do cannot express our sorrow at your loss and I hope the love of your friends and family can offer some measure of comfort. Peace
Terry Higgins
May 21, 2008
Mimi, I wished I had spent more time with you and Dave. I loved watching how happy you made each other- always sharing a laugh or two. To have loved someone so deeply is something many people never experience. You two were blessed. I will always remember the fun day we had at Silver Star- skiing and eating lunch at Long Johns. Dave was a one in a million kinda guy!
Love and miss ya tons,
Rick Blanke
May 21, 2008
It was wonderful working with Dave in conjunction with the Y.M.C.A.His dedication to our community was something to admire. Rick Blanke
Bob Hargreaves
May 21, 2008
We will miss this gentle soul, who shared so much while he was here, and fought so bravely to stay among us
ROB BALLEW (YMCA)
May 21, 2008
DAVE DEVOTED A GREAT DEAL OF TIME TO HIS COMMUNITY. GIVING BACK WAS PART OF HIS LIFE. DAVE SERVED ON THE YMCA BOARD FOR YEARS HELPING US BUILD CHARACTER IN KIDS. THROUGH DONATIONS WE HAVE RECEIVED IN DAVE'S MEMORY, A FUND HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED TO SEND AT LEAST ONE CHILD TO CAMP THIS SUMMER IN DAVE'S HONOR. THIS WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE OF DAVE.
Catherine Rips
May 20, 2008
Dave's greatest legacy is Mimi's open heart. What a special man he was to give her that gift. He'll always be with us and we'll never forget him.
Jim Latting
May 20, 2008
Mimi,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Dave's family and friends. He was truly one in a million, and you two were obviously so happy together. He was such a wonderful, caring, bright and loving guy with such a great sense of humor and a true sense of perspective. His life was such a blessing to you, his family, his friends, and his community. He will be missed by us all.
Love,
Jim & Kathie Latting
Wayne & Margaret Penner
May 20, 2008
To Mimi,
Our heart is full of sympathy and love for you with the loss of your Dave. Your committment to each other was admirable and we know his passing is a huge loss for you. Your friends are many and we consider ourselves fortunate to be two of them and know that we are here for you. Love always,
Elizabeth Hein
May 20, 2008
Such a sad loss for our dear Mimi and her extended family. What a privilege it was to meet Dave ...... he was such an amazing guy. He reminded me of "Richard Gere" when he picked up Arleigh and I at the Palm Springs Airport.......warm,kind and funny. I shall really miss him.
Lisa Vossler Smith and Phillip Smith
May 20, 2008
We're sending our love and prayers to our dear Mimi and to all of Dave's family and friends. May our friendship and comfort bring peace to your hearts in the days to come. We love you, Mimi and we will always have special memories of you and Dave and we appreciate all that you have done for the Vossler family.
Pamela Turner
May 20, 2008
At a time like this, there simply are no words worthy of expressing our most sincere condolences for the great loss of this incredible man. We offer our love to you Mimi and to those who dearly loved and appreciated Dave. He will be deeply missed and his memory will be held safely in our hearts. xo Pamela, Shauna & Adrien
Judy Vossler
May 20, 2008
Mimi Dear,
My heart hurts for you and for Dave's family. Dave was a real man, charming, kind and caring. His friendship will be greatly missed and dearly remembered. It was truly my pleasure to introduce you and Dave. I knew in my heart that you two would be a match made in heaven...and heaven is where it will continue for eternity. Thank God you are blessed with cherished memories of a great love. You are in the thoughts and prayers of the Vossler family. God Bless. xoJudyV.
Barry & Lorraine James
May 19, 2008
To our dear friend, Mimi . . . it hurts us to know that you are now without Dave. He was a great man and we were blessed to have known him. We shall remember his love for you, his wonderful hospitality, his kindness, and most of all, his humour - we had so much fun with him.
With love & a great big hug,
Beverly Viramontes
May 19, 2008
I had the honor to be one of Dave's first 3 employees in helping him open 1st Bank of PD. My fondest memories of Dave are when we were in the trailer !! Just the 5 of us ! What a team we were!! We became such a close family in helping Dave build his dream. I will always cherish every moment we all had together. His sense of humor, his kind and gentle spirit, I will always hold close to my heart. He was such a special person. It was a joy and privilege to have known him. He will forever be in my thoughts and in my heart. Our prayers are with his family and all who loved him. We will all miss you Dave !!!
Nancy & Jim Jorgensen
May 18, 2008
Dearest friends Mimi, the Peat Family, and the Tschopp's.
We are so very saddened by the tragic loss of Mimi's "true love". We consider ourselves fortunate to have even met Dave. We found him to be delightful and wish we could have known him better. What a wonderful couple Mimi and Dave were! Take care, my special friends, loss such as this is so difficult.
Hugs,
Nancy and Jim Jorgensen
Jonathan (Jon) Enabnit
May 17, 2008
Dave & I were best friends in high school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was also the best man at my wedding in 1975. although, we some how lost touch over the years, I did think of him often & remember sharing some of the best & most memorabile times in my life. Like one walk in a torrential downpour in Datona Beach, Florida (spring break) speculating on the possibilities our individual futures.
As it turned out...we were both right.
As always Dave, I wish you the very best on your newest adventure.
Fondly, your friend for life. Jon.
Laura Kirkham
May 17, 2008
Those who knew Dave Tschopp are fortunate folks. His wit and friendship were to be cherished. My heart is heavy with his loss, but I am grateful for having known him. Love and prayers to Mimi and all of his family.
Christine & John Brandow
May 16, 2008
To the family of Dave... please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. I can't believe that a man as well known and loved by all has been taken from us at such an early age. It deeply saddens me that we have lost such a great person. He will always be remembered with love.
Dave & Mimi
May 15, 2008
Gerald Hundt
May 15, 2008
To Dave's friends & family,
It has been years since I have seen Dave, I left the Desert in 2000 and the funny thing is a few days ago I was thinking about him. I was the former YMCA director and without Dave's friendship, leadership, and mentorship I would have failed. He was always there with advice in his quiet way and even after he left the board I could count on his suport for me and the values of the Y. Life is to short my friend, I know all will miss you. I look forward to seeing Dave down the road....
An Old friend,
Bill Kroonen
May 15, 2008
All of us associated with the Board of the Regional Access Project Foundation recall with fondness and appreciation the tremendous service Dave offered to the people of eastern Riverside County by his service on our Board. He was so very committed to the cause of making people's lives better. We shall miss him greatly and offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Marc and Suzy Homme
May 15, 2008
We send our heartfelt condolances to the whole family. We have known Dave for so many years and are truly shocked by his passing. He was a man of incredible integrity and warmth. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Karl Cranford
May 15, 2008
I am going to miss Dave and that scuba diving trip we talked about but never got around to taking.
Dave and his beloved Mimi
Susie & David Peat
May 15, 2008
This is a tremendous loss for us all. Dave will live in our hearts forever. He was our family and our friend. Dave was Mimi's true love, and she was his.
We will treasure all our fun memories (and we had LOTS of fun!) We are honored to have been in your world.
Dave will be with us whenever a Led Zeppelin song plays and with every asparagus spear we eat.
ROCK ON, DAVE TSCHOPP!
We could not have loved you more, Susie & David
Nancy Peat
May 15, 2008
To my dear cuz Mimi, I can only say that words cannot convey the sadness I feel for you in losing your love. I never got to meet him but felt I knew him through your heart.
xo Nancy
Janet Hopkins
May 15, 2008
My heart goes out to all who knew and loved Dave and are feeling his absence, but especially my sweet Mimi, who struggled with Dave through these tough and trying times. He is still with us and always will be in our hearts.
Robert & Salve Hurley
May 14, 2008
Our condolences to the Tschopp family and to our dear friend Mimi. Dave was a good and decent man. He will be greatly missed.
Clint Miller
May 14, 2008
Dave was the best person I have worked for and by far the best president First Bank has ever had. He was intelligent, humorous, and fair. Anyone that ever met him will never forget him.
Zan Peat
May 14, 2008
What a gift Dave was to our sis Mimi and the entire family! He was and remains a real treasure to us! We are privileged to have known him and to have had him in our family circle!!
He will forever put a smile on our face and in our heart as we think of him and remember! Much love, Zan and Jack
Barbara Sparks
May 14, 2008
We are sending our prayers Mimi and to the Peat family...our precious friends. I know David will be missed and his life has made a most memorable and happy time you had together, Mimi.
Our Prayers.
Barb & Larry
Ron Willison
May 14, 2008
My sincere condolences to all his family and particularly to Mimi, his fiancee, to whom he would have been married this Saturday. It is a sad loss~
Arleigh and Greg Fanning
May 14, 2008
Dave was a wonderful human being. We are honoured to have called him our friend and will miss him tremendously.
Cathy Pearly
May 14, 2008
I worked for Dave at FirstBank in Palm Desert, and he still to this day was the best boss I ever had! I was going to look at my sons guest book today when I saw this obituary. My thoughts and prayers go to Dave's family through these hard times. Dave was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Good times . . .
Sabby Jonathan
May 14, 2008
Miss you already, buddy. Hope you knew how much you meant to me.
Allison Beauchamp
May 14, 2008
What a great picture and tribute to Dave's life! Dave was a exceptional person and we will miss him dearly! He was smart and funny and had a good heart, especially with my son Jullien, who he taught how to play checkers! Love, Allie
Joanne and Charlie Tunstead
May 14, 2008
May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of the good times you shared with Dave. We all are so blessed to have shared in his life and to have such fond memories of having known him.
PauLois Tschopp
May 14, 2008
We are so sorry that we lost our nephew Dave so early in his young life, and especially, that living on opposite sides of the planet we never got to meet him, and his wonderful family, for lo these many, many, (at least 40 or more) years. May the Lord give you all strength and guidance. Love, Uncle Paul & Aunt Lois
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