David L. Sisam

David Lee Sisam, 92, known by many as Dave, Coach or Pards, loving father and husband, died peacefully on March 23, 2022 in Greenville, SC where he and his wife had been residing for the last few years. Dave was beloved by all for his outgoing personality and tireless efforts educating and coaching at Grand View College and his love and devotion to his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Arlene Kitt Sisam, four devoted children, David (Julie), Dianne (Cary Miller), Rick (Dee Ann) and Randall (Jennette), six grandchildren, Marcie, Julie, Lindsie, Jenna, Paul and Aidan, four great-grandchildren, Reyna, Kobe, Jada, and Kamren, and his sister, Nancy Ratcliff.

Dave was a student athlete at Grand View College in Des Moines, IA, after which he served in the Air Force for 2 years. He then went on to complete his education at Drake University. Throughout his 34 years at Grand View he was a teacher, coach, and athletic director. He coached four different sports to the national tournament, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s baseball and women’s tennis resulting in nine national tournament teams. Dave coached the men’s basketball team to 450 career wins in 25 seasons, including a 46-home game winning streak. In 1998 he was inducted into the Grand View Hall of Fame. In 2002, the culmination of his years of success led to Grand View bestowing the great honor of naming the renovated gymnasium the Dave Sisam Arena, allowing his legend to live on forever. In an interview with the Grand View College Magazine, Dave was quoted as saying, “It’s the greatest honor I could have. I loved my life at the College. It never felt like work.”

After Dave’s retirement from Grand View he enjoyed a successful career as a well- respected real estate agent for Iowa Realty, while continuing to share his time and talents by mentoring coaches and students, and participating in multiple fundraising events.

Dave loved spending time with his family, whether fishing and swimming in the lake at Greenbrier Estates, playing cards or watching sports. He also treasured the times teaching the sports he so dearly loved to his children, grandchildren and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Colyer Sisam and Virginia (Lee) Sisam, and his brother, Richard Sisam.

A private graveside memorial service will be held at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines on Saturday, June 4, 2022. A reception following the service will be held at Grand View University, in the Dave Sisam Arena from 2 to 4 p.m.

Memorials may be given in his name to Grand View University Athletic Department.