David C. Deike

David “Dave” Clayton Deike, 74, died September 3, 2026, in Waterloo, Iowa.

Dave was born October 12, 1951, in Waterloo, to the late Elmer and Alice (Capps) Deike. After attending schools in Waterloo, Alden, Buckeye, and Popejoy, he graduated from Wellsburg High School in 1970. He served for six years in the Iowa Army Reserve during the Vietnam era.

In 1973, Dave married Mary Nikolas. Together, they had four children: Michelle (Clayton) Schutt, James (Sara) Deike, Melissa Deike, and Alex Deike. Dave was also a proud grandfather to Gwendolyn Schutt, Vivian Schutt, Gabriel Schutt, Logan Deike, and Claire Deike.

Dave and Mary farmed north of Wellsburg for 28 years. After leaving farming, Dave attended Hawkeye Community College and earned his commercial driver’s license. He spent the remainder of his working years driving semi-trucks for Ruan and Panama Transfer.

Dave enjoyed goose hunting, particularly in Missouri and Canada, traveling to Wyoming to hunt antelope, and raising waterfowl. He rode his motorcycle in nearly every kind of weather and was an enthusiastic fan of Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

A gifted storyteller, Dave especially loved sharing memories of past hunting trips. He often said, “It wasn’t the number of geese you shot; it was the good times you had with the guys you were with.” That sentiment captured the way Dave viewed life: the people beside you mattered more than the final tally.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Alice Deike, and his daughter, Melissa Deike.

Abels Funeral and Cremation Service in Wellsburg is coordinating the service. Memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 8th at St. Mary’s Church in Ackley, Iowa, beginning at 9:30. A Catholic mass will immediately follow at 10:30. Burial will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Ronald McDonald House or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital