David Lee Powell

David Lee Powell of Moville IA passed away peacefully, at home, on Saturday September 12, 2026, at the age of 77. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday September 26, 2026, beginning at 10am at the Community Center in Bronson, IA, with a service of reflection at 11:30am. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service.

Dave was born in Sioux City, IA on October 3, 1948, the only child of Lloyd Elmer and Charlotte (Sweisberger) Powell. They lived for many years just outside of Sioux City on Morningside Avenue (old Highway 141) and he went to school at Lawton-Bronson, graduating in 1966. Growing up as an only child, he spent a lot of time with his many cousins and I’m sure we never heard all the stories of the trouble they got into.

Dave met Peggy (Mayberry) when he jumped into the back of her car on Dakota Avenue in South Sioux City. They were married on October 9, 1967, and before she passed in 2025, they celebrated 57 years together. They lived next to his parents, in Sioux City, for a few years before getting their own little piece of heaven, in June of 1974, at the 13-mile marker of Old Hwy 141. They started in a trailer house, but it burned down in 1977, so Dave and his dad decided they’d build a house – which they did in about 3 weeks! They raised three children on that acreage, Angela, Jeff, and Nicole. In September 2014, after 40 years, they moved to Moville.

Dave worked at Purina Mills from 1968 until his retirement in September of 2014. Back in the late 70s, early 80s, he was the pitcher for their slow-pitch softball team. Many nights were spent at the ball field and then at Nifty’s after the games celebrating. After his retirement, he spent several years running the tow truck for his son.

Fishing was his favorite pastime, he went any chance he could, and he always took his old AM portable radio, cuz the best fish only listened to KSCJ. He took all the grandkids fishing when they were little, and all of them learned quickly that you didn’t talk while fishing - it scared the fish away. His favorite fishing trips were to the Red River with his son-in-law, and to Lake of the Woods with his son Jeff. He loved watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs – both he saw in person with his daughter Nikki and her family, but honestly, you could find him watching all kind of sports. And every day he always had to tune into Gutfeld and his other favorites on Fox News.

Dave was baptized and confirmed, as an adult, at Elliott Creek Presbyterian Church in Bronson, IA. He later served as an elder and enjoyed attending church with classmates and friends from school. Every year, he would spend a couple of days during the Woodbury County Fair grilling burgers at the Church food stand.

Left to carry on his legacy are his children Angela (Mike) Mooney of rural Hornick, IA & their children Nicholas (Amber) Bieler & their daughter Stella, of Salix, IA; Catlin (Samantha) Bieler & their children Gavin and Charlotte, of Whiting, IA; Kelsey (Ryan) Dice & their children Kamryn, Jase, and Kaylin, of Elk Point, SD; Sarah (Tyler) Phelps of Onawa, IA; and Peter (Rachel) Mooney of Anthon, IA. Jeff (Mishelle) Powell of Moville, IA, & his children Shelby (Tim) Artz & their daughter Gabby, of Kingsley, IA; and Colby Powell of Sioux City, IA; & Mishelle’s children – Bailey (Terrill Henrich) Even & their children Braxton and Taytum of Phoenix, AZ; and Seth Even of Moville, IA. Nicole (Troy) Kelsheimer of Climbing Hill, IA & their children, Brittany (Toutai) Taukeiaho & their children, Brooklynn, Harper, and Emma, of Moville, IA; and Tyler (Michaela) Kelsheimer & their children Jolie and Jimmy, of Beresford, SD, and Troy’s daughter Anissa (Adam) Bolster & their daughter Calliope of Carroll, IA. Brother-in-law John (Judy) Mayberry of Grand Prairie, Texas. Niece & Nephews, Michael Mayberry, Philip Mayberry & his daughter Lynnmarie (Iwan) Jones-Windridge, all of Wales, England, Jennifer Mayberry of TX and Joshua (Shawna) Mayberry of Sioux City, IA, & children Trinity, Christian, Anna & Drayven. Along with many cousins, extended family, and friends.

Meeting Dave in Heaven is his wife Peggy (d. 2025). His parents Lloyd (d. 2008) and Charlotte (d. 2011) Powell, and his in-laws, Marvin (d. 1970), and Jeannine (Bahr) (d. 2008) Mayberry, Grandparents Lloyd Victor and Mabel Elizabeth (Bolte) Powell and Charles and Henrietta Sweisberger. Aunts and Uncles, Les Powell, and Richard (Jane) Powell, Henrietta Gill, Charles “Fuzz” Sweisberger, George Sweisberger, Margaret (Mike) Boyle, Dorothy Boyle DeRoin, Helen (Greg) Boyle, Bill Sweisberger, and Joyce (John) Prescott.

Dad lived quietly but loved loudly. He didn’t need many words to make an impact — just a quick joke, a sharp one‑liner, or a smile that told you everything was going to be okay. His humor was his way of showing love, and it made our world brighter.