David Kauzlarich

Mass of Christian Burial for David Kauzlarich, 82, of Melcher-Dallas will be Friday, March 3, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Melcher-Dallas. Interment will follow at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. A Rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m. at the church on Thursday with family receiving friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Memorials are requested to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. David V. Kauzlarich was born March 22, 1934 to Valentin "Bill" and Wanda Theresa Obirek Kauzlarich. He was raised in Melcher and graduated from Melcher High School in 1952. Being educated was a sign of achievement to David He pushed himself and others to learn, read and research things. David attended St. Ambrose graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Teaching, University of Iowa with a Masters degree in Library sciences. Taking classes at Drake, Creighton, San Diego state and others along the way. Even attended Chicago public schools in the 5th grade. David taught English, Drama, and was a librarian at Ankeny High School for several years. Dave had a strong faith and was a devout Catholic. He enjoyed hearing mass in Latin and loved traditional rituals. He was proud of his Croatian history and enjoyed meeting with others to share stories, read letters in Croatian, and was active in the local Croatian groups. He also enjoyed reading, using the computer for research and loved genealogy. In his free time David enjoyed movies, music, and theatre, traveling and researching his heritage. With his travels he had taken thousands of pictures, architecture, landscapes, and scenery were some of his favorites. He enjoyed updating both the Kauzlarich and Obierck family trees. David loved to travel throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, and Isreal, including a trip to Poland in search of his ancestors. Along with this he visited Hawaii where he visited his brother Joe's grave. Dave also loved going to San Diego. He spent over 25 years there, either for the summer while he was teaching or longer times after retirement. Dave enjoyed staying healthy and loved to ride his bike. We can't leave out his love for the Hawkeyes. David's family was something he treasured. He did many things to help his mother (Wanda) and sister (Loretta) after his father (Valentin's) and brother Joe's death. Passing on family history, traditions, and even some Polish and Croation was spoke at times. Taking pictures of the family at the many functions throughout his life is something that will remind us of David and of how important family is. Dave passed away on February 25, 2017 at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Preceding him in death were his parents: Valentin "Bill" and Wanda Theresa Obirek Kauzlarich; his sister, Loretta Schrader; and brother, Joseph Kauzlarich. Surviving are nieces and nephews: Kimberly (Len) Schrader Matthies and their daughter, Amber; Richard Schrader and his children: Zach and Nicole; Regina (Eric) Dennison and their children: Anastasia and Evan; Corey (fiancé, Tiffany Nichols) Schrader and their children: Leo, Lea, and Liam; Kathy (Nick) Vogel and their children: Taylin and Bodie; and JoAnn Labreq. Along with many cousins, relatives, and friends. Dziekuje as Uncle David would say. Which means Thank you in Polish. Cemetery Details Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery G76
Melcher-Dallas, IA 50062

Visitation

MAR 2. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CST)

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

204 SW D St.

Melcher-Dallas, IA 50163

Service

MAR 3. 10:30 AM (CST)

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

204 SW D St.

Melcher-Dallas, IA 50163