David G. Gavin, 87, of Leisure Lake, Bernard, Iowa, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his home in Bernard, Iowa.

Visitation for David were held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a prayer service was held at 3:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held for David at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 21, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Garryowen, Iowa, with Rev. Mark Osterhaus presiding.  Lector was Linda Klostermann.  Eucharistic Ministers were Amy Vorwald and Rick Flurh.  Placing of the Pall was done by  Lois Gavin, Daniel Gavin, Brenda Bohlken, Terry Gavin, Linda Schmitt, James Gavin, Jeff Gavin, Bernard Gavin, and Dennis Gavin.  Giftbearers were Shirley Lammers and Amy Vorwald.  Burial will be held in Dubuque Memorial Gardens in Key West, Iowa with Full Military Honors afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

Casket bearers for David were Dan Gavin, Terry Gavin, Jim Gavin, Jeff Gavin, Bernie Gavin, Dennis Gavin, Larry Klostermann and Gary Klostermann.

David was born March 15, 1937 in Monticello, Iowa, son of Leo J. and Florabelle (Klinkner) Gavin.  After school he served during the Korean War Conflict in the U.S. Navy for four years.  On September 20, 1954, he was united in marriage to Lois Klostermann at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fillmore, Iowa.  He worked as a mechanic, at John Deere,  as a Feed salesman and a school bus driver until his retirement.

Dave loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, mushroom and ginseng hunting.  He was a coach for the little league in Epworth, President of Epworth Gun Club and was active in CEW’s.  He was a three- time golden glove boxer and was a boxing coach for the Navy boxing team in Guam.  He loved making projects out of wood, for people, especially lawn ornaments and bean bag boards.

He was a member of St. Patick’s Parish in Garryowen, Iowa and the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lois Gavin of Bernard, IA; eight children, Daniel (Lyn) Gavin of Seymour, MO, Brenda (Kenny) Bohlken of Monticello, IA, Terry (Tracy) Gavin of Bernard, IA, Linda (Randy) Schmitt of Dubuque, IA, James Gavin and Scott Brown of Springfield, MO, Jeff Gavin of Seymour, MO, Bernard Gavin of Bernard, IA and Dennis (Jill) Gavin of Seymour, MO; 19 grandchildren; 48 great grandchildren; 15 great great grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Beatrice Gavin of Maquoketa, Rita Gavin of Cascade, Vince Manders of Dubuque, Carol Klostermann of Dyersville, Janice Beaman of Cascade, Larry “Smiley” (Linda) Klostermann of Des Moines, Darlene Klostermann of Earlville, and Gary Klostermann of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Joshua Gavin; four brothers, Oscar Gavin, Justin (Cecilia) Gavin, John “Jack” Gavin, and Thomas (Katie) Gavin; two sisters, LaVonne Gavin and Arlene (Jack) Cook; father and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Romilda (Rogers) Klostermann; stepmother-in-law, Alice Klostermann; brothers and sisters-in-law, Carl Klostermann, Mary Manders, Leo Klostermann, Jean (LaVern “Flute”) Weber, Myrlen “Buck” Beaman; and 3 nieces and  3 nephew.

The family of Dave would like to thank Dr. Peterson, and the Bernard Rescue Squad for their quick response and skills.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com