David Victor Bormann

David Victor Bormann, age 78, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of Preston, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife, Gwen, and their children.

Dave was born July 29, 1948, in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Raymond Sr. and Florabel Bormann. He grew up on the family farm near Preston, where he had many fond memories of his childhood with his brothers and sisters. His love for them was obvious and was at the center of who he was.

Dave's greatest joy was his wife, Gwen. He often told the story that she came riding into town on a motorcycle one night, and it was love at first sight. He said that she was the most honest and sincere woman he had ever known. On February 12, 1972, they were married. Not long after that, they had their first of twelve children on the way. Whether they were working, relaxing, having babies, or simply enjoying each other’s company, they were happiest together. Their life together was built on a deep love and friendship that remained strong throughout their 54 years of marriage.

Dave took great pride in the work he did. At just 17 years old, he began working at the creamery in Preston. He eventually worked his way to plant manager. He was never too good for a job. If it needed to be done, he did it. He maintained that work ethic well beyond his retirement in 2013. He also believed there was plenty of room for fun in life. He loved cheering on his children and grandchildren at sporting events and was their biggest fan. He enjoyed watching professional sports, especially the Cowboys and the Yankees. He fished and hunted with his sons, while maintaining enormous gardens.

Some of Dave’s happiest moments came from the simple traditions he created with his family. Thanksgiving brought everyone together year after year. Dave was known for his cooking and saying grace at the beginning of the meal. You could always find him playing euchre at a table when the meal was done.

Dave was kind to everyone he met. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick, witty personality that would light up a room. He was a man people could count on. He had a way of making everyone feel special—and showed them what it meant to always be there for family.

Dave’s greatest accomplishment was being a Dad. Raising seven sons and five daughters was no small task, but Dave embraced the chaos, and all that came with having a large family. He loved being a dad and took great pride in each of his children. His daughters doted upon him and his sons revered him. For Dave, being a father wasn't just a role he had—it was one of the greatest joys of his life.

His greatest legacy is the family he leaves behind and the love he gave them so freely. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Gwen Bormann of Dubuque; their 12 children, Rachel (Troy) Federspiel of New Hampton, Iowa; Jennifer (Tom) Meyer of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Matthew (Jeni) Bormann of Dubuque; Charles (Mariana) Bormann of Winchester, Massachusetts; Margaret (Mike) Czarnecki of Mt. Vernon, Iowa; Joseph (Jessica) Bormann of Bellevue, Iowa; Benjamin (Susan) Bormann of North Liberty, Iowa; Phillip (Katie) Bormann of Dubuque; Paul (Erica) Bormann of Blue Mound, Wisconsin; Stephanie (Derek) Rieckmann of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Catherine (Brandon) Richman of LaMotte, Iowa; and Daniel (Sara) Bormann of Belleville, Wisconsin.

He was a proud grandfather to 31 grandchildren: Coreyne, Elena and Troy Jr. Federspiel; Andrew and Benjamin Meyer; Luci Bormann; Victor, Isabella and Scarlett Bormann; Luke, Ava, Ella and Jace Czarnecki; Jake, Nick and Anna Bormann; Charlotte and Norah Bormann; Michael, Maya, Adalyn and Elijah Bormann; Henry, George and Walter Bormann; Olivia and William Rieckmann; Briana, Nathan and Ryan Richman; and Calaway Bormann; and great-grandfather to David Kurjatko.

Dave is also survived by his siblings, Robert (Madonna) Bormann of Monticello, Iowa; Dennis (Becky) Bormann of Preston; Raymond (Lisa) Bormann Jr. of Preston; Laura (Junior) Steines of Bellevue; LaVonne Gerlach of Bellevue; Arlene (Ed) Skoff of DeWitt; Zita (Bill) Blumhoff of Albany, Illinois; and Joyce Miller of Preston, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond M. Bormann Sr. and Florabel M. Bormann; his brothers, Arnold Bormann and Dale Bormann; his sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Lawrence Thines; his sister-in-law, Darla Bormann; and his brothers-in-law, Roger Gerlach and Whitey Miller.