David W. Stalzer

David Warren Stalzer, a dearly beloved father, son and brother, died February 25, 2021 in Mitchellville, Iowa at the age of 32. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Ankeny Funeral Home (1510 W. 1st St., Ankeny, IA 50023). Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, March 5, 2021 at Keystone Church (849 S. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023). Todd Wallace will officiate the ceremony. Burial with military honors will be 3:30 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2021 at High Prairie Cemetery (2050 215th St., Muscatine, IA 52761). Please wear a mask while attending these events.

David is survived by his wife Kayla; their children Elizabeth (6 ½), Camden (4) and Denver (3); parents, Darrell and Sue Stalzer; grandfather Anthony C. Stalzer; siblings Anthony J. “TJ” Stalzer, Allison (Jameson) Allen and Joy (James) Purrazzo; seven nieces and nephews, Haley Stalzer, Jax, Jadon, Ezera and Liv Allen, and Warren and James IV Purrazzo.

David was born on April 6, 1988 in Cedar Rapids to Darrell and Sue. He graduated from Muscatine High School in 2006. He held the rank of Sergeant in the Marine Corps Reserve - 4th Marine Logistical Group in Rock Island, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, and was an Afghanistan veteran. He married Kayla Gratopp, in 2013 and together built their life in the Des Moines area.

David worked for TMC as a technician and then for Continental Fire Sprinkler Company with Local 669 as an apprentice. He was 6 months from completing his apprenticeship. We are so proud of his dedication and hard work. Over 4 years, David and Kayla became the proud parents to Elizabeth, Camden and Denver. He was eager to create fun for them, teaching them to fish and shoot a bow. David was quick to sugar them up with peanut butter M&M’s, campfire donuts in the backyard, and by baking cookies together. His love for them was fierce and unwavering, tender and devoted.

David was a man of deep faith who found comfort in the rhythms of the church and cared about raising his children to know Jesus. He was a faithful friend and well loved by all who knew him.

David was a skilled archer, an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved to share these passions with his wife, children, family and friends. David was a deep and tender soul, the dearest friend to those who leaned in, an adored and adoring father and a strong, hardworking man with a mischievous and witty humor. He had a heart rooted in love and dedication to his family. He was active in his faith community of Keystone Church of Ankeny.

Please participate in helping Elizabeth, Camden, and Denver remember their dad. Please share your thoughts, memories, photos and stories. Allison Allen will collect all of these via email at [email protected] or in a container at the visitation, funeral and interment.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate David's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the David Stalzer Memorial Fund created by Darrell and Sue Stalzer. Mail to: First National Bank, 300 E. Second St., Muscatine, IA 52761, or to the David Stalzer Memorial Fund on Go Fund Me for the benefit of David’s children.