David Glenn Roush

David Glenn Roush was born on April 2, 1947, at the King’s Daughters Hospital in Perry, Iowa, to Lena (Ullrich) and Glenn Roush. He graduated from Perry High School in 1965.

Dave — a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, loyal friend, and lifelong farmer — passed away on October 31, 2025, surrounded by the family who adored him. He lived a life rooted in hard work, faith, laughter, and love — a true reflection of the values he held dear.

He met the love of his life, Suzie Wright, as a junior in high school, and from that moment, their beautiful love story began. They continued to date throughout their high school years and were married on June 17, 1968. Together, they welcomed three children — Marnie, Kerry, and Tim — and built a life rich in joy, partnership, and pride. They raised hardworking children and cherished their beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family was always at the center of everything Dave did.

He began working at John Deere in Ankeny in 1966 but was laid off after six months. Determined and resourceful, he saved enough money to attend the University of Iowa for a semester before John Deere called him back. He returned to the company, where he could earn a better living, and went on to dedicate 33 years there as an accomplished welder. His strong work ethic, humor, and easygoing nature earned him the respect and friendship of everyone he worked with.

Dave was also deeply involved in his community. He was a longtime member of the Perry Elks Lodge #407, serving as Exalted Ruler and Treasurer, and was honored as Elk of the Year. Both Dave and Sue enjoyed many wonderful friendships and events through the Elks over the years. He was also active with the Farm Bureau, serving on its board for several years.

No matter where life took him, you could not take the farm out of the farm boy. Dave grew up helping his dad on the family farm and later took over when his father could no longer manage it. A farmer through and through, Dave found peace and purpose in the field, where he spent countless days doing the work he loved. He continued farming faithfully until his diagnosis of mesothelioma in December 2023.

Minburn fast-pitch softball was another passion in Dave’s life. For several summers, he played the game he loved and made lifelong friendships along the way — it was truly a family affair. Family was also front and center as he and Sue spent countless hours traveling to their grandchildren’s sporting events, cheering proudly from the stands.

Known for his quick wit and gift for storytelling, Dave could light up any room with his laughter and good humor. Friends describe him as genuine, kind, and the kind of man who was easy to talk to and even easier to love. He would help anyone at any time without hesitation — his response was always, “Okie Dokie.” Every Monday night, he and his close friends gathered for “cocktail hour,” sharing stories, laughter, and the simple moments he treasured most.

Dave’s children affectionately called him the “Redneck Engineer” — a title he wore proudly. He could fix anything with #9 wire and duct tape and even built his own log splitter.

Dave and Sue enjoyed antiquing (though Sue may have done most of the “finding”), visiting museums, and traveling. Dave also enjoyed golfing at Perry Golf and Country Club.

After becoming ordained to perform weddings, one of the greatest joys of Dave’s life was officiating the marriages of his grandsons, Kolby and Luke, to their beautiful brides — a moment that meant the world to him.

Dave also had a beautiful singing voice, and his favorite song, Blue Moon, will forever bring back memories of his warmth and charm. Even through illness, Dave carried himself with grace and quiet strength — never complaining, never asking “Why me?” — always grounded in his faith and sure of where he was going.

Dave was, quite simply, one of the great ones — a man whose love, laughter, and steady presence left an enduring imprint on everyone who knew him. A young farmer friend wrote this about Dave, “A person could search long and hard and still not hear a bad word spoken about Dave. He was the perfect example of how we should handle ourselves and treat other people.”

When Dave’s brother-in-law, Dan, learned that he had passed, he said, “God said to Dave, ‘Let’s go get your wings,’ and Dave replied, ‘Okie Dokie.’”

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Sue; their children, Marnie (Tony) Swigert, Kerry (Eric) Campero, and Tim (Lisa) Roush; his grandchildren: Kolby (Megan) Greenslade, Luke (Abi) Greenslade, Jayden Roush, Keegan (Clay) Eastman, Lexi Eastman, Gaige and Dante Campero; great-grandchildren: Kipton, Korver, and Kolbie Greenslade and Stetson Greenslade, his sisters, Edde Young and Helen McLean; in-laws: Ross and Jani Harrison and Dan and Shari Button, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends and neighbors who he held dear.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lena (Ullrich) and Glenn Roush, and in-laws Wayne and Jean Wright.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel, with an Elk’s Ritual Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Dave's memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, also at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel, with lunch following at the Elks Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to EveryStep Hospice, Perry Elks Lodge #407 or First Christian Church in Guthrie Center. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.