David L. Flanery, of Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, peacefully entered his heavenly home on July 9, 2026, at Halifax Hospice in Port Orange, Florida, at the age of 83.

Born on December 7, 1942, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Charles V. and Myrtle (Jensen) Flanery, David grew up in Panora, Iowa, where he spent his early years before enlisting in the United States Navy at the age of 17. He proudly served aboard the USS Philip (DD-498) from 1960 to 1963. Stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, his naval service took him throughout the Pacific during the early 1960s. His military service was a source of pride throughout his life.

On June 5, 1965, David married Janice (Jan) Schneden. Together they shared more than 40 years of marriage, raised a family, created countless memories, and built a life filled with love and laughter.

After his naval service, David worked for Wright Tree Service and Farmall Works before joining Caterpillar Inc. He began his Caterpillar career in Mount Joy, Iowa, and later transferred to Pontiac, Illinois, where he became known for his dedication, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to excellence. After 31 years with the company, he and Jan retired to Florida, where they enjoyed the next chapter of their lives together.

David was happiest when he was surrounded by family and friends, sitting by the water with a fishing pole and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes—with a cold Busch in hand. David was a devoted Iowa Hawkeye fan, he especially loved football, wrestling, and basketball season. He also faithfully rooted for the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and NASCAR’s finest.

Every July, family vacations brought everyone together and created memories that will be treasured for generations. He also enjoyed morel mushroom hunting, spending time outdoors, playing cards with friends, and annual fishing trips with lifelong friends that were filled with as much storytelling as fishing.

David will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, steadfast patriotism, and deep love for his family. He showed his love not only through grand gestures but by being there—whether that meant lending a hand, offering advice, cheering from the sidelines, or reminding everyone which team they should be rooting for.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Angela (Angie, Nan) Ervin of Wyoming, Iowa; Patrick (Jessica) Flanery of Balsam Lake, Wisconsin; and Kelle (Craig) Brinson of Edgewater, Florida; his sister, Joyce; six grandchildren, Marley (Ryan) Taube, David Chaplin, Jacob Ervin, Lucas Ervin, Rachel and Lauryn Brinson; five great-grandchildren, Hayden, Harper, Hadley, Harlow, and Shawn (SJ); sister-in-law, Mary (Schneden) Bennis; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Phyllis Schneden, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jan; his son, Michael; his grandson, Shawn; his parents, Charles and Myrtle Flanery; his brother, Charles Flanery; his father- and mother-in-law, Lavertis (Pete) and Mildred Schneden; and his brother-in-law, Gary Bennis.

While his family misses him deeply, they take comfort in imagining his reunion with Jan after twenty years apart. We suspect she’s already welcomed him home, many beloved family members and friends have gathered, and he’s found the best fishing hole in Heaven. He’s probably settled into a comfortable chair and is being cautiously optimistic about the upcoming Hawkeye season—just as he did every year.

We will forever cherish the memories we made with our Dad and Papa and find comfort in knowing that the love, laughter, traditions, and values he shared will live on through the generations that follow. Though our hearts ache in his absence, we are deeply grateful for the time we had with him and the example he set. Until we meet again, Dad, thank you for the love, the lessons, the laughter, and the memories that will forever be part of who we are.

Graveside services and burial will be held at 2 P.M., Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Evergreen Cemetery, Delmar, Iowa.  A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.