Brigadier General David Lee Stabenow, MD, 83, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on April 22, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics following a brief illness.

A wake service will be held at 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Visitation will follow from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Rev. G. Robert Gross officiating.

Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque. Full military honors will be rendered by the United States Army and the Iowa Army National Guard.

David Lee Stabenow was born on October 22, 1942, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the son of Lee Delmar Stabenow of McConnell, Illinois and Daisy Wright Stabenow of Chicago, Illinois. He spent his childhood years in McConnell before moving to the St. Louis area for high school. He graduated from Ferguson High School, Ferguson, Missouri in 1960. He then attended Georgia Tech for two years before graduating from the University of Georgia in 1964 with a B.S. in Chemistry. He then attended Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, graduating in 1968. He completed an internship at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Denver, Colorado in 1969 and a residency in dermatology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., in 1972. After teaching for a number of years at Walter Reed and later the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri he joined Medical Associates Clinic in Dubuque and practiced dermatology for 35 years, retiring in 2014.

After leaving active-duty Dr. Stabenow stayed in the Army Reserves serving in and commanding several different units in the Iowa and Minnesota area. He was called to active duty for the first Gulf War and served as Deputy Commanding General of Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He retired in 1995 with the rank of Brigadier General. He had a love for scouting and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout when he was young. Dave carried a lifelong love of his country and a deep sense of duty in serving it.

In 2000 he married the love of his life, Eva Welsh Vollenweider. Together they built a life centered on family and faith. He most cherished his time with Eva, making many wonderful memories traveling the world. Dave was known for his warmth, humility, and generosity. He shared his wisdom and intelligence freely, always willing to help others with thoughtful guidance and a caring heart. He and Eva looked forward to hosting holiday dinners and welcoming family into their home with great joy.

Dave had a love for reading and was a voracious student of history. He enjoyed time spent outdoors and looked forward each year to annual fishing trips to Canada with his dear friend, Dr. Jamie Brock. He also had a special affection for their rescue dogs, who brought him much companionship and happiness.

His faith was an important part of his life. After marrying Eva, he developed a love for the Catholic faith, especially the rosary, which remained a source of strength and comfort throughout life’s many ups and downs. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Above all, Dave was devoted to his family. He never missed an opportunity to be present for his grandchildren, faithfully attending their games, performances, and milestones. His steady presence, encouragement, and love will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Eva, one daughter from his first marriage Elizabeth (Jola) Stabenow Srikhirisawan of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, two stepchildren, Michelle (Jeff) Rusch of Dubuque and Michael Vollenweider of Coralville, Iowa, one sister Patricia Stabenow Cone of Dacula, Georgia, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren. His first wife, with whom he remained friends, Jennie Gautier Stabenow of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Columbkille’s Church, Holy Family Catholic Schools, or the Dubuque Humane Society. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Runde, Dr. Ramabadran, their nurses and staff, Dubuque EMS, the Mercy Emergency Room doctors and staff, and the University of Iowa Surgical Neuroscience ICU for their guidance and compassionate care. A special thank you also to Dave Willis, a caring and helpful friend.