Reverend David Michael McGhee joined his best friend and wife, Alice, in Heaven on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Monday, September 9, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Deacon David will be at 10:30 am on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Church of the Nativity with Father Stephen Audu as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

He was born September 22, 1937, to Anne (Wunderlich) and Clifton McGhee of Center Grove, Iowa. He received an undergraduate degree in psychology from Loras College and completed his graduate degree in education from the University of Iowa. 

David and Alice were married on August 4, 1962, at St Anthony’s Church in Dubuque, Iowa. Upon completing his graduate degree in 1967, David and Alice took their young family to serve as Missionaries in the Bahamas, serving the poor. David strongly believed in walking the talk and modeling his faith to his family and those around him. David tried to live his life by the example set by Jesus. 

David fulfilled his calling to ministry and was ordained to the first class of the Deaconate in 1977. This was only possible with the support of Alice, who stood by his side as he provided comfort for many families in their time of grief and celebrated milestones such as weddings and baptisms. Being stopped at a shopping mall was not uncommon as people shared updates of children that he had baptized or couples that he married. 

David firmly believed in advocating for those that had no voice. This was a tenant of his life which he instilled in his children. He taught special education at the Western Dubuque school district for 26 years until he was asked by Archbishop Kucera to join the Tribal at the Archdiocese of Dubuque. While he was honored for the request, he quickly found that he was better suited for ministry and in 1994, transitioned to being Associate Pastor at Nativity Church in Dubuque where he continued until his retirement in 2018. Throughout his life, David readily stepped up for requests to volunteer and serve others. He spent several years serving on the Mercy Ethics Committee and as a board member at Area Residential Center. He was particularly proud to serve on the board for The Source as the only non-addict and supporter of people struggling with addiction.   

David found joy in visiting with just about everyone he came in contact with. He was a gifted speaker, an excellent listener, and loved hearing how he was able to make a difference in the lives of those he touched. He counseled thousands of people over his years at Nativity and through his volunteer work. He was particularly proud of his Scottish heritage and wore his kilt with family tartan at every opportunity.

David always wore a dove pin on his shirt to share his commitment to peace. Whenever anyone would ask about the pin, he would immediately take it off and give it to the person who asked about it, taking the opportunity to share his message of love. 

David is survived by his daughter Anne of Schenectady NY, Brigid (Tim) Rahlf of Dubuque, and Christopher (Kimberly) of York PA. He had six granddaughters and one great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Alice, his older brother Johnny, and his older sister, Mary Pickart. 

The family wants to thank all the friends that came to see Dad over the past few years. Your friendship and attention were incredibly important in helping Dad know that he touched lives and made a difference. Finally, we want to thank the staff at Hospice and Stonehill for their care and love of Mom and Dad.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting David’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.