Dear Mildred:
Our sympathies go out to you and your family on the loss of you son and our friend. My name is Gary Schallau and my wife's name is Molly Schallau. I knew Dave for over 30 years. I first met him when I started working at Kmart in Cherokee Iowa in 1979. Dave was a serious Boss but I could get him to laugh. He was a good person. After I graduated from Cherokee in 1981 I went to school at Iowa State University after stints at UNI and Buena Vista. One day while in Ross Hall I was getting something out of the vending machine and couldn't believe my eye. Yep, good old Dave was there delivering mail. We talked a bit and he told me I could probably get a job at the mail services there. I did get a job there and eventually full time before transfering to another area and eventually ending up in Sioux City.
I owe a lot to Dave, and told him that before he died, and that we loved him. I spoke with him earlier last week. I also want to thank you too. Dave put me where I am today by knowing him. He always spoke of you folks back home. He was very proud of you all. He said his brother next store was helping him immensely too besides you. I knew something was amiss when our Christmas card was returned to us. I thought, maybe he has retired. I wish it had been that. I lost my day at age 71 in November. I suppose he, my dad and your husband our having a blast right now. I know we will see them all at our lives end when we begin anew in heaven. No struggles there for those we care for so deeply.
Dave was sure shy when it came to ladies. Molly and I set him up on a couple of blind dates. I also talked him into calling a lady at I.S.U. and asking her out. The best part of Dave was that he acted serious, but we could always get him to get a little crazy and laugh it up with us. He always made us feel welcome.
Dave even helped me out at my wedding. It was all family and that is why he was there. Dave, me and Molly knew that we had our own lives to live but we never lost touch.
Dave was hard working and meticulous in what he did. Everything was done correctly and efficiently. Sometimes I would work his route before I transferred and he always knew. Nothing was the way he liked it when he got back. Too many short cuts on my end. :)
Dave was proud working the football games. He was a great sports enthusiast and we watched several games at his place before I moved.
I am glad I was able to speak with Dave 3 times in the last couple of weeks. Even when I spoke with him the night before he died, I sensed no urgency in his voice-just peace and a sense of being ready. I had prayed for a miracle when he told me it was terminal. He was very brave and accepting and I feel he was ready even though we were not.
We will miss him very much! Again, our prayers are with you.
Molly and Gary Schallau
Gary Molly Schallau
Le Mar Iowa 51031
2010-03-03 06:10 pm
