David “Dave” L. Bailey, 71, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of San Diego, California, passed away unexpectedly on May 18, 2026.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Dave was born on March 22, 1955, in Maryland, the son of Donald and Nancy (Pennabaker) Bailey. Dave received his B.S. in Computer Science; to say he was smart is an understatement. He retired from Abbott Medical Laboratories as a Senior Systems Analyst. On August 19, 1989, Dave married the love of his life and his soulmate, Margo Andersen. Together they shared 37 years of love, support, and adventure.

Dave loved to spend time outside and enjoyed being in nature. On a nice summer’s day, he could be found working in his garden with his trusted dog, Bailey, watching over him. Friends and family were thankful to reap the benefits of his gardening and kindness, whether it was a wave across the yard or fresh produce. For weeks at a time, Dave, Margo and Bailey would travel across the country in their motor home. He enjoyed bird watching, especially at their “Bailey Bird Bistro.” His favorite camping spot was at Grant River Recreation Center in Potosi, Wisconsin. When Dave was indoors, he enjoyed cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs. They were also known for throwing incredible Christmas parties with lots of beautifully decorated trees, something Dave was equally as involved in as Margo.

Dave is survived by his wife, Margo; their sons, Jim Bailey of Nebraska, and Chris Bailey of Pennsylvania; his mom and dad, Donald and Nancy; brothers, Don (Debby) Bailey Jr., Matthew (Andy) Bailey, Douglas Bailey; sisters, Deborah (Skip) (Bailey) Magner and Melissa Bailey; and his beloved dog, Bailey.

David “Dave” L. Bailey, 71, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of San Diego, California, passed away unexpectedly on May 18, 2026.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Dave was born on March 22, 1955, in Maryland, the son of Donald and Nancy (Pennabaker) Bailey. Dave received his B.S. in Computer Science; to say he was smart is an understatement. He retired from Abbott Medical Laboratories as a Senior Systems Analyst. On August 19, 1989, Dave married the love of his life and his soulmate, Margo Andersen. Together they shared 37 years of love, support, and adventure.

Dave loved to spend time outside and enjoyed being in nature. On a nice summer’s day, he could be found working in his garden with his trusted dog, Bailey, watching over him. Friends and family were thankful to reap the benefits of his gardening and kindness, whether it was a wave across the yard or fresh produce. For weeks at a time, Dave, Margo and Bailey would travel across the country in their motor home. He enjoyed bird watching, especially at their “Bailey Bird Bistro.” His favorite camping spot was at Grant River Recreation Center in Potosi, Wisconsin. When Dave was indoors, he enjoyed cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs. They were also known for throwing incredible Christmas parties with lots of beautifully decorated trees, something Dave was equally as involved in as Margo.

Dave is survived by his wife, Margo; their sons, Jim Bailey of Nebraska, and Chris Bailey of Pennsylvania; his mom and dad, Donald and Nancy; brothers, Don (Debby) Bailey Jr., Matthew (Andy) Bailey, Douglas Bailey; sisters, Deborah (Skip) (Bailey) Magner and Melissa Bailey; and his beloved dog, Bailey.