David L Wiemer

David L. Wiemer, 96, of Burlington, IA died Friday, January 10, 2025, at the New London Nursing and Rehab Center in New London, IA.

Born May 6, 1928, in Burlington, IA he was the eldest son of Edgar Roy and Elma Christina (Larson) Wiemer. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1946. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 25 and obtained his Eagle Badge in 1943. He was his scout leader's first Eagle Scout. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Navy, finishing his service in Guam in the Pacific. He continued his service in the Naval Reserve. Dave married F. Evelyn Witte on September 25, 1950, and they had four children, David, Douglas, Diana, and Daniel. He continued his education at Burlington Junior College and graduated in 1950. Dave was recalled to active duty in the Korean Conflict, serving aboard the USS Titania in Japan and Korean waters from October 1950 until June of 1952.

Dave later attended Iowa State University and received his Bachelor's in Landscape Architecture in 1955. He was the Senior Class President and was a member of the honor fraternities, Tau-Sigma-Delta and Alpha Zeta. He continued his education receiving a Master's in Recreation Park Administration from the University of Illinois in 1968. Dave worked in many states over the years in park related fields, some including: Kalamazoo, MI as a Landscape Architect, Peoria Park and District (IL), Director of La Salle County IL Conservation District, Elmhurst Park District, and was even as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Parks and Recreation Departments at Indiana University in Bloomington. In his last 17 years of work, he was the Assistant Director for the Rockford IL Park District and retired in 1990.

On February 26, 1986 he married his former high school sweetheart, Wanda L. (Johnson) Cornick in North Palm Beach, FL. They were able to spend 30 years of happiness until her passing on November 27, 2016.

After his retirement Dave stayed busy. He formed the Pea Ridge National Military Park Foundation in Bella Vista, AR and was the president for eight years and has been a life time member since. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW. He helped with the creation of the two- mile long Tanyard Creek Trail in Bella Vista, the formation of the Rockford Park District Foundation and wrote and published a few books. He was a member of the National Association of Fund Raising Executives, National Eagle Scout Association, SCC Alumni Association, Boy Scout Camp Eastman Improvement Association, The Burlington Historical Society, American Society of Landscape Architects, YM Keenagers group in Burlington, Kiwanis (Rockford, IL , Lake Wales, FL and Burlington), Des Moines County Foundation-Partners for Conservation, Burlington Messiah Lutheran Church and The City of Burlington Riverfront Advisory Committee. Dave's goal was to leave the communities in which he lived a little better because he had lived there. 

He would like to be remembered as an eternal optimist and a happy person. He was extremely proud of his kids and who they became; joking that he had one of each, the scientist, engineer, teacher and artist. 

Survivors include his children, David A. (Kathy) Wiemer of Mound, MN, Douglas J (Kathy) Wiemer of Boulder, CO, Diana L Wiemer of Durand, IL, and Daniel J (Kimberly) Wiemer of Red Wing, MN; three grandchildren, Emily Wiemer, Julia Buteyn, and Paige Wiemer; one great-grandchild; Beckett Buteyn; step-children, Mark (Karla) Cornick of Burlington, Lynn (Tom) Sawyer of Burlington, Diane (David) Gabeline of Danville, and  Kathryn (Jim) O'Donnell of Georgia; ten step-grandchildren, Jodi Norton, Zachary Cornick, Nicholas Cornick, Shane Sawyer, Christa Reid, Brianna McCord, Adam Gabeline, Alex Menke, Andrew Wasson, Daniel Wasson; 21 step-great-grandchildren; one brother, Michael Wiemer of Temecula, CA and special friend Shirley Wilson

He was preceded in death by his wives, Evelyn and Wanda, his parents, and brother, Roger Wiemer and his sister-in-law Norma.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM, Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.

The Memorial Service for Mr. Wiemer will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.  Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh Funeral Service following the service.  Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.

Memorials have been established for Rockford Park District, 401 S. Main Street, Rockford, IL 61101, Partners for Conservation, 13700 Washington Road, West Burlington, IA 52655, SCC Foundation and Messiah Lutheran Church. 

The family is grateful for the staff at Addington Place in Burlington for providing comfort and care for the past five months. 

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