Darsee, David Charles

David Charles Darsee, 78, of Clive, died Wednesday, June 9, 2010, in the peaceful presence of his family and pastor at Bright Kavanagh Hospice in Des Moines. Dave was well known for his integrity, strong sense of responsibility and fairness, but also his warm humor which was fully active even after his stroke one week ago.

Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Iles Funeral Homes-Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Rd., Des Moines. The celebration of Dave's life will be 1 p.m. Saturday, June 12, at Valley United Methodist Church, West Des Moines. Committal ceremony will take place 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Raetz Cemetery in Atkins.

Dave was born Aug. 15, 1931, in Anamosa, Iowa to Charles Gerald Darsee and Velva Victoria Curttright. He excelled in his studies and was a top athlete in baseball and basketball, graduating as valedictorian of the Martelle High School Senior class of 1949. He attended the University of Dubuque on a full-ride sports scholarship for basketball and football and graduated in 1953 with a bachelor's degree in history. In his senior year he met his future wife, Vionne Nequa Jennings, and the couple married that July. Dave served in the Army from 1953-1955 during the Korean conflict and was stationed in Japan.

Dave was enthusiastic about creating meaningful and well administered education. He believed building self confidence was the key to all student success regardless of one's background. He began teaching and coaching at Delhi High School in Delhi, Iowa and Linn-Mar High School in Marion while studying nights, weekends and summers to obtain a master's degree in education administration at the University of Iowa. From 1963-1978, Dave was principal at Delwood High School, Elwood; Barron High School, Barron, Wis.; Dubuque Senior High School, Dubuque; Fayetteville-Manlius, Manlius, N.Y.; and, Valley High School, West Des Moines.

From 1978-2005, Dave worked for Iowa Realty, where he was a respected Realtor and manager, developing many lasting friendships. In 2000, he served as board consultant for the Iowa Professional Realtors Licensing Division.

In retirement, Dave enjoyed maintaining his yard, gardening and traveling, embarking on many cross-country road trips to visit his children and grandchildren. Dave took pleasure in volunteering at church, especially caring for children in the nursery where he was called “Grandpa” by many.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Vionne Jennings Darsee; grateful children, Scott (Johanna Hongell-Darsee) Darsee, Albuquerque, N.M., Kris (David) Trapp, Valparaiso, Ind., Jon Darsee (Polly Price), Austin, Texas, and Kent (Nancy) Darsee, Urbandale, Iowa; grandchildren, Dan (Carmen) Trapp, Steve Trapp, Abigail Napp, Zoe Darsee, Jenna Darsee, Ella Darsee and Cohen Darsee; great-grandchild, Emma Trapp; and adopted family, Claudia (Gil) and Amalia Webber.

Memorial donations may be made to Valley United Methodist Church, 4201 Ashworth Rd., in West Des Moines and Hospice of Central Iowa.