David L Jareo

David was born on January 22, 1954 in Syracuse, New York. He lived in several small towns as a child, but spent the most time in Rodman, New York. He grew up with a wonderful work ethic on a small family-owned dairy farm.

David graduated from South Jefferson Central School in 1972, whereupon he entered the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1976, our nation's bicentennial. Upon graduation from USAFA, David entered active duty and was trained to be a navigator on B-52's. During his training he married his high school sweetheart, Patti Wratten, and they were married nearly 48 years. He continued training in Sacramento, CA and Fort Worth, TX before proceeding to his first base assignment at Anderson Air Force Base on the island of Guam. His family grew by two children, Michael David and Bethany Lois, and after 6 years on Guam they moved to Castle AFB in central CA, and finally to Offutt AFB in Bellevue, NE. David continued his education and earned three Master's degrees (Aeronautical Science, Biblical Studies, and Pastoral Counseling).

David was actively involved in church activities of all sorts for over 40 years, serving as Associate Pastor at Heritage Hill Church of the Nazarene in Papillion, NE for many years. At various times he was Sunday School Superintendent, storyteller, choir, Praise Team participant and leader, and many other things. During that time, however, he became the Pastor of Sunrise Community Church of the Nazarene in Missouri Valley, Iowa. Upon retiring after 7 years of serving the wonderful people of Missouri Valley, he worked as an arborist assistant until December of 2023, when he finally retired from everything.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Claude S. Jareo Sr. and Arline M. Jareo, of LaFargeville, NY; and his younger brother, Claude S. Jareo Jr.

David is survived by his wife, Patti W. Jareo; his son, Michael D. Jareo (wife Iryna Jareo); his daughter, Bethany L. Gabb (husband Michael J. Gabb); his sister, Arline Rauch (husban Jeff Rauch, living in Maine); his brother, Larry Jareo (wife Dina) of La Fargeville, NY; his six beloved grandsons (Mark, Daniel, and Joshua Jareo; Jackson, Asher, and Gage Gabb); and numerous dear friends and church family.

David was a man of integrity with a heart of gold. His kindness and gentleness were accompanied by his sense of duty and incredible generosity. He served his country with pride and built a family with love. His love for God led him to become a dynamic preacher and compassionate pastor, and he has touched the lives of more people than we can count. Husband, father, grandfather, uncle, pastor, friend - every title he ever had he earned and exemplified. His love for his family was tremendous, and they brought him great joy.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Heritage Hill Church November 11, 2024 at 10:00 am. Interment will be at the Omaha National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date. This will truly be a celebration, as David is now sitting at the feet of Jesus and singing with a heavenly choir. His beautiful voice and sweet presence will be sorely missed by so many, but we know he is with his Father, his best friend, and his Savior.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. This can be accomplished online through the Church of the Nazarene Headquarters or contact Heritage Hill Church of the Nazarene, 6909 Cornhusker Road in Papillion.