David Alan Kenkel, 69, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Luther Manor – Hillcrest.

Visitation for David will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd., with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery, in Dubuque.

David was born April 29, 1956, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of John “Jack” and Janet Louise (Chunat) Kenkel.  He grew up with his two brothers Dale John Kenkel (deceased) and Douglas Alan Kenkel, and sister Doreen Marie (Kenkel) on their family farm. David and Doug were twin brothers, and David was older by four minutes. He always made sure everyone knew this fact!

David was affectionately nicknamed Dave, and Day- “Hippie” due to his long curly strawberry reddish blonde hair, graphic tees, and bell-bottomed jeans pulled together with his large silver belt buckle.

He received his education and graduated from Western Dubuque High School in Epworth, Iowa. He was an avid basketball player, with his 6′ 6″ stature he played center for WD and enjoyed playing alongside his twin brother. He had a stubborn streak that made him passionate about winning in every sport he played. He continued playing volleyball in a rec league at Resurrection during his leisure time.

David was also a member of the award-winning Western Dubuque marching band led by the famous band director Phil Schmitz. His instrument of choice was the trumpet; he truly loved being part of the band. Together they marched in the Indianapolis 500, and the Cotton Bowl parades. The WD band was like family. He was a Bobcat through and through!

David went to work immediately after high school at Cascade Lumber Company, he excelled with a shiny work ethic and received promotions for work well done.

David was always a loyal and hard-working employee for whomever was lucky to have him. He went on to have construction jobs in Iowa and Oklahoma, but his longest tenure was with Anderson Windows, formerly Eagle Window and Door Company, where he spent 32 years constructing and finishing doors and windows until his retirement in 2022.

He resided in Bellevue, Iowa, and in David’s early years he was an avid fisherman. You could find him trolling on the Mississippi each weekend and enjoying the outdoors. If he caught a big catfish, he would say it was a “good day” and if a walleye was on his hook it was a GREAT day!

David loved his cars and trucks and took great pride in each one he owned. A few of his favorites were his 1968 Ford Fairlane, a black 1977 Trans Am, but his pride and joy was a 2020 metallic blue Chevrolet Colorado truck. That truck never had a speck of dust on it! It was a great pastime to keep him busy.

Most of all, David was a loyal friend and loved his family. They were his number one priority, and he spent every holiday and family reunion playing cards and games (especially phase 10 with his mom) as well as bringing his favorite Lays potato chips to every gathering. He was salty!!

David was also a dreamer and often told us of his desire to move to Alaska to fish and hunt. His short travels to Oklahoma and Texas made him love the south, however his forever home was in the Dubuque area.

David is survived by his two siblings, twin younger brother Douglas Alan (Sherri Mellon) Kenkel, and Doreen (Carey) Kenkel-Witt; 12 nieces and nephews, along with 18 great nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by parents, his eldest brother Dale John Kenkel, and his great nephew Zayn Michael Kenkel.

Our heartfelt gratitude to our dear friends and nursing staff at Luther Manor Hillcrest who loved, laughed with, and cherished David with compassionate care until his final breath. We love the way you loved David through the four years he was with you. And in David’s later years, Hospice of Dubuque was by his side caring for him daily. Thank you to all our precious caregivers, you were truly like family to him!

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Hospice of Dubuque.

We love you, David, Dave, Day- “Hippie”. Heavenly Peace be with you. And until we meet again, may God bless you and hold you in the palm of His hand.