David Stringer Roberts, Sr.

David Stringer Roberts, Sr.

Marion

David Stringer Roberts, Sr., fondly known as “Doctor Dave,” passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, surrounded by his family. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior at St. John’s Episcopal Church (1458 W Locust St, Dubuque, IA 52001).

Dave was born on August 21, 1938, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Mildred Stringer Roberts and W. Foster Roberts. He was born on his father’s birthday.

“Doctor Dave” graduated from Battle Creek Senior High School and was one of the thirteen graduates from Battle Creek Community College’s (now Kellogg Community College) first graduating class in 1958. He got his BA and MA from Western Michigan University in political science. He did post-graduate work at the University of Iowa and completed his doctorate in political science at California Coast University (Santa Ana) in 1984.

Dave taught the social sciences, primarily political science, for 36 years. He began his career at Savannah State University, where he met his wife, Vivian. Dave taught for 30 years at the University of Dubuque, where he received the William L. Lomax Award for outstanding service to students as a teacher and advisor. He retired from the University of Wisconsin at Platteville in 2003. He was also an adjunct instructor at Northeast Iowa Community College and Divine Word College. He was a political analyst for local radio and television until 2003.

He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Dubuque, Iowa, for over 50 years and served on the church vestry, including as Senior Warden. He served as a board member of the Dubuque County League of Women Voters for many years, including a term as president.

His interests lie with reading, researching, and writing both in his academic discipline and in fiction writing, culminating in telling ghost stories at the campfire to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed having some of his ghost stories aired on local radio at Halloween time for a few years. For over 20 years, he loved to tent camp with Stephan, Amy, and his wife, Vivian, in a different state each year, camping in national forests. Recent visits were to Vermont and New Mexico. Different tales were written for each camping trip, both at the campfire and on the road. Dave hopes to be with Amy and Stephan in spirit as they camp in the 50th state in 2046.

Dave especially cherished time spent with family, finding immense joy in the simple moments shared with loved ones. His greatest happiness came from being surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren, whether during family gatherings, holidays, or everyday visits. He was a proud and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always ready with a kind word, a warm hug, and a listening ear. The memories made with him will forever live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to be part of his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Vivian McMillan Roberts, married 57 years; three children, David Stringer Roberts, Jr. of Salt Flat, Texas, Lynne Roberts Marzen (Deno) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Stephan Charles Roberts (Amy Young) of Chicago, Illinois; four grandchildren, Tristan (Gabrielle) Monahan, Trevor Monahan, Marcus Marzen, and Alexa Marzen; two great-grandchildren, Malakai Monahan and Micah Monahan.

He was predeceased by his parents and his two older sisters, Martha Roberts Anderson and Margaret Roberts Leatherman Fisher.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Please share a memory of David at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.