David Cronbaugh

DAVID CRONBAUGH

Iowa City

David Cronbaugh, 69, slipped the surly bonds of earth this week in Iowa City. His legacy is his three children, for whom he was always there to encourage and empower, Todd Miller (Jocelyn) of San Jose, Calif., Tara Cronbaugh of Iowa City and Anya Schmitz of Munich, Germany. Also, Whitney Bliss of Marina, Calif., whom David fathered and guided just as his own child. His grandchildren are McKenna and Connor Harris of Iowa City and Sierra, Jordan and Raiden Miller of San Jose. Joel Cronbaugh, of Iowa City, survives his brother, as do Diana Tharp and Gudren Schmitz, women who enjoyed a special relationship with him.

David was preceded in death by his brother, Steve; and his parents, Melvin and Maxine Cronbaugh.

David left his touch on Iowa City as the "Master of Ambiance" for his daughter Tara's Java Houses and Heirloom Salad Company cafes. He enjoyed nothing more than hopping into the pickup with his cohort, Steve Harris, and driving the dusty roads of Iowa scrounging vintage furniture and unique antiques for the stores. Tara trusted him implicitly, and it proved to be part of the magical formulary for Java House success. Next time you buy a Java House coffee, pay special attention to the beautiful historical photos of Iowa City at Heirloom Salad and think of David. He'd like that. He was tireless in his devotion to everything he did, always teaching his kids and grandchildren, "whatever you do, just be remarkable!"

David was a sage adviser to those of us who heard the same drummer. His favorite place was India, where he enjoyed periods of time studying. He spent his adult lifetime reading, learning, listening, resting in silence, collecting an extensive collection of books on Middle Eastern thought. At the time of his unexpected death, he was enjoying sublime peacefulness, and those of us who loved him celebrate that.

If David had a parting word about his own death, it would be this: "Life is but a dream and I am the dreamer."

The family would like to reminisce and share conversation, memories and laughter over "Coffee with David" in the second home David was so much part of creating with his daughter, The Java House, 211 E. Washington St., from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26. Arrangements have been made for parking in the US Bank parking lot for David's Coffee. Please ask the family for a US Bank parking lot token before leaving.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Anya Schmitz Educational Fund.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lensingfuneral.com.