David Paul “Dave” Hoelzen, 69, of West Burlington, died Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born June 17, 1953, in Burlington, he was the son of Donald and Shirley Sylvester Hoelzen. Dave graduated from Burlington Community High School in 1971 and continued to be involved with the Class of '71 activities and reunions. He obtained associate degrees from Southeastern Community College in 1984 (electronics technology program) and 2005 (computer technology program).
Dave always had a passion for computers and technology and made a career doing what he loved. He worked with electronics at several businesses including Motorola and Andrew Corp. (formerly Conifer Corp.). After Andrew Corp. closed, Dave returned to school and was eventually employed at SCC as a System Administrator in 2006. He retired from SCC in 2017.
Dave was a computer hobbyist from the beginning of the personal computer revolution of the 1970s. He spent most of his free time building and refurbishing computers and tinkering with other gadgets. Dave almost always had a video camera in hand to catch all of life’s big and small moments. He loved the outdoors, especially camping and boating on the Mississippi with friends and family. Dave was known for his unique sense of humor and silliness. He was very generous and never knew a stranger.
He is survived by his two daughters; Hilleary (Jonathan) Nguyen of Pennsylvania and Ally (Justin) Sapp of Burlington; three grandchildren, Mateo Nguyen, Lilia Nguyen, and Madelynn Sapp; five siblings, Deborah Bowen, Gregory Hoelzen, Sally Hoelzen, Amy Warren and Laura Harpin.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Susan Fagerland.
Since Dave was not a mourning person, the memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13 at Lunning Chapel. Dave was known for his killer puns, so we invite you to put the fun back in funeral and join us for a celebration of life immediately following the service at the Eagles #150 in Burlington.
Memorials may be directed to the Southeastern Community College Foundation to support education in technology.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel as burial prices have skyrocketed due to the cost of living.