David Alan Heitritter was born May 16, 1962 in Sheldon, Iowa, the son of Dale and Marlene (Bieser) Heitritter. He was raised on the family farm outside of Melvin, and grew up helping his dad around the farm. David graduated from Hartley-Melvin High School in 1981. He was the first Melvin class to graduate from Hartley-Melvin. Following high school Dave continued his education attending Northwest Iowa Community College obtaining an automotive mechanics degree. After college Dave worked at Andy Granatelli’s Tune-Up Masters in California.
On May 26, 1984, David was united in marriage to Becky Ackerman at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin. They lived in Sheldon and Sanborn before making their home in Melvin for the past 35 years. Dave worked as a mechanic for Ken Karr in Sheldon, Don’s Repair in Sanborn, and lastly for the Osceola County Road department for 24 years.
He was a lifelong member of the American Lutheran Church in Melvin where he served several terms on the church council and was a youth group sponsor with Melvin Luther League. In Dave’s free time you would always find him working on something, whether it be remodeling the house, working on his grain bin, which was his prized possession, or working on a vehicle. Everything he put his hands to, he changed for the better (except for cutting down trees). He loved spending time with his family and loved his kids, who he was very proud of. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his strength, and his hardwork. Dave’s motto “Good Enough, Never Was.”
Dave passed away Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 61.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 39 years, Becky; children, Mike (Amy) Baker of Melvin, IA, Jodi (Johan) Fourie of Hartley, IA, Daniel (Makenzie) Heitritter of Spencer, IA; 6 grandchildren, Bryce, Ethan, and Reed Baker, and Lukas, Kolten, and Colin Fourie; mother, Marlene Heitritter; siblings, Steve (Sandra) Heitritter, Deb (Cory) Van Driel, Sheri (Rick) Blevins; siblings-in-law, Todd Ackerman, Brenda Ackerman, and Stan Ackerman; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Heitritter, parents-in-law, Stan and Karen Ackerman; brothers-in-law, Barry Cammann and Troy Ackerman; and sister-in-law, Sue Ackerman.
A memorial service was held August 14 at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin with Reverend Judith Johnson and Reverend Tim Nappe officiating.
Burial was in the Baker Township Cemetery near Melvin.
Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley was in charge of arrangements.