David "Gus" Doland

David “Gus” Doland “70” from rural Miles, IA, passed away Thursday, January 12, after a four month battle with mantle cell lymphoma at Mercy One, Clinton surrounded by his loved ones. A celebration of Dave’s life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 16, at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Preston. Their will be time for family and friends to share stories and memories at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Dave was born February 16, 1952, son of Willis and Marilyn (Ernst) Doland. He grew up in Bellevue, IA, attended Marquette High School, graduating with the class of 1970. After High School, Dave went to Loras college and St. Ambrose. It was at John Deere Davenport Works where Dave met the love of his life, Barb Eckelberg. The couple married on February 20, 1999. Dave married Barbie and was blessed with six grown step-children that he loved as his own. Dave happily retired from John Deere Davenport Works in 2007, after 30 years and was a member of UAW Local 281.

Dave will be dearly missed by his wife Barbie, six children, Darlyn Irwin, Donna Roling, Doug Schlarmann, Dena (Tony) Lant, Jeanie (Frank) Horan, and Mindy Ashcraft. He was honored to be “Grandpa Gus” to 11 wonderful grandchildren, Dylan, Austin, Justin (Alyssa) and Olivia Roling, Lexi (Mike) Mangione, Brady and Ivan Lant, Carter (Haley) and Conner Horan, Taylia Stearns, and Kade Schlarmann; two great-grandchildren, Leila and Henry, in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Dave’s 8 grandsons will be his honorary pallbearers.

Dave loved to read, play golf with the grandkids and go to their sporting, school and church events. He always looked forward to the grandchildren coming to stay. He loved sharing in a good joke or prank with his family. Dave valued time he spent with his Barbie, loved her home cooked meals and they enjoyed going to Bob Seger concerts. Dave was the best husband, step-dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, friend, neighbor and coworker ever known.

Dave was a lover of all animals, including cats, dogs, and an orphaned calf named Petey.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, his son-in-law, Gary Irwin, his brother, Bruce, sister-in-law Dixie and other loved ones.

A catered lunch will follow at The Garage in Preston. In lieu of flowers and plants a memorial fund has been established.