The family of David Butler of West Des Moines, IA announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
Below, a small portrait of a life that will not soon be forgotten.
A parent leaves not only memory, but the people they helped become.
David Butler arrived in this world on July 26, 1972, as a gift to Gerald and Marijo Butler. Growing up with two sisters, he self-proclaimed to be the only "normal child" and wore that distinction like a badge of honor. Dave grew up in West Des Moines and went to Sacred Heart. He graduated from Dowling Catholic High School and spent four-years playing center on the football team. Big, dependable, and right in the middle of the action - that is how Dave liked to roll. His love of sports spanned into adulthood where you could find him loudly and loyally cheering on Notre Dame, the Green Bay Packers, and Dowling Catholic - often all in the same weekend.
Dave dedicated 27 proud years to the electrical trade and IBEW Local 347, a brotherhood he held close to his heart. He participated in the Electrical Apprenticeship program, where he enjoyed camaraderie with other members and mentoring the next generation. Dave spent the bulk of his career at Waldinger out in the field. He later transitioned into the role of Regional Safety Manager, where he truly made a difference. People didn't just accept him - they requested him. Dave had a rare gift for making people feel heard and respected. He enjoyed the work and being a safety guy, but most of all, he loved the people he worked with.
Dave wasn't only a superstar at work; he was also the BEST dad. He loved coaching baseball and never missed a game or performance. He loved his kids and expressed that love in the time-honored tradition of teasing them at every available opportunity. His humor and quick wit followed wherever he went. Sitting around the dinner table was often his best stage, cracking jokes and inciting non-stop laughter. He also had an extraordinary talent for finding the perfect TikTok for any occasion - a skill he wielded with great pride and zero shame. In his free time, Dave fired up his Harley-Davidson and hit the open road with the love of his life, Mindy. They traveled many miles on his beloved Harley, including a couple adventures to Sturgis.
Dave's journey took a sudden and unexpected detour when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August 2024. Despite this diagnosis, he showed up every day to live life with unwavering strength and a smile on his face. On April 23, 2026, Dave passed away at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Mindy; his children Teagan, Quintin, and Blake; his father Gerald (Jerry); and his sister Mary. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marijo (Calhoun) Butler, and his sister Geraldine (Gigi) Butler Troxel.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Iles Funeral Home - Jordan Creek Chapel, 7150 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, Iowa, followed by a celebration of life at Colby Park at 6900 School Street at Windsor Heights, Iowa. A memorial fund has been established for the Butler Family. Contributions can be made to the Butler Family Memorial Fund at Vision Bank at 45 N Warrior Ln. Waukee IA, 50263.
Online Condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.
Arrangements by Iles Jordan Creek Chapel.
