Obituary for David T. Dempsey
David T Dempsey, 49, of Pin Oak Township, IL, former resident of O’Fallon, IL, born May 14, 1972 at Barksdale AFB, LA, fortified in the Sacraments of the Catholic Church died Thursday, May 27, 2021, at his home.
David was ready to be with God after a fulfilling life of meeting special people, seeing remarkable places, and experiences of a lifetime. He grew up learning to be of service to his family, peers, and faith. He started selling Gus’ Pretzels at age 9 and often had three simultaneous jobs. David was a teacher in Highland, IL. Previously he sold life insurance for the Knights of Columbus, hawked pretzels at festivals with his Uncle Tim, and bottled beer with Uncle Tim and Tom at Anheuser-Busch, Local 1187. He volunteered with Troop 1072 and Crew 8072 of the Boy Scouts, Knights of Columbus Councils 4239 & 1143, PGK Council 7682, PFN Assembly 1829, O’Fallon Township Youth Committee, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Belleville Diocesan Catholic Youth Organization.
David was preceded in death by Grandparents Emmett and Magdaline Dempsey, Harold and Eleanor Herdler. Great Uncle Dan and Great Aunt Cora Ziegler whose farm he grew up on. His mentor Collette Kennett whom he hopes to serve again with in heaven as they continue to inspire youth.
Surviving is his beautiful wife of 20 years, Michelle who cared for him in great times and in sickness. They spent every day grateful for each other’s strengths as they built on so many wonderful memories. Their amazing children David Jr., Mallori, and Melanie of Pin Oak Township, IL always impressed their Dad with their accomplishments, independence, and faith. His parents who were great role models, teachers, and providers John and Jeanette Dempsey, married 53 years, of O’Fallon, IL. A brother John (Melinda) and nephews Alex and Patrick Dempsey. A sister Mary Ellen (Tommy) and niece Ellie and nephew Grayson Prichard. Loving father and mother-in-law Dave and Linda Wolf, Sister-in-Law Lori (Matt) Headley. His other brother, Dave Burroughs, who he spent his Glory Days. His inspiration and student Abby Schrage who taught him what it means to have courage. Their matchmaker Bob Dettling. Numerous loving uncles, aunts, cousins, in-laws, friends, brother Knights, Scouts, students and co-workers.
Prayers for the family are greatly appreciated. David requested an act of service special to his last profession, teaching. David knew many good parents and their children; he also knew some students whose parents need a neighbor’s or extended family member’s support so their child could succeed at school. Please give your time and energy to a student whose teacher will be grateful! Memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 1143 to be used toward scholarships at Father McGivney Catholic High School.
Visitation will be Tuesday, June 1, 2021 from 4:00-8:00 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville. Knights of Columbus Assembly 1829 will host a chalice service at 6:00.
Service: Visitation will continue Wednesday, June 2, 2021 from 9-10 AM at St. Boniface. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM at St. Joseph’s Shrine, St. Louis, MO. Burial will be at the St. Boniface Cemetery, Edwardsville, IL. All attendees are encouraged to use the shuttles provided that will leave from St. Boniface and return there after the burial.
David was ready to be with God after a fulfilling life of meeting special people, seeing remarkable places, and experiences of a lifetime. He grew up learning to be of service to his family, peers, and faith. He started selling Gus’ Pretzels at age 9 and often had three simultaneous jobs. David was a teacher in Highland, IL. Previously he sold life insurance for the Knights of Columbus, hawked pretzels at festivals with his Uncle Tim, and bottled beer with Uncle Tim and Tom at Anheuser-Busch, Local 1187. He volunteered with Troop 1072 and Crew 8072 of the Boy Scouts, Knights of Columbus Councils 4239 & 1143, PGK Council 7682, PFN Assembly 1829, O’Fallon Township Youth Committee, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Belleville Diocesan Catholic Youth Organization.
David was preceded in death by Grandparents Emmett and Magdaline Dempsey, Harold and Eleanor Herdler. Great Uncle Dan and Great Aunt Cora Ziegler whose farm he grew up on. His mentor Collette Kennett whom he hopes to serve again with in heaven as they continue to inspire youth.
Surviving is his beautiful wife of 20 years, Michelle who cared for him in great times and in sickness. They spent every day grateful for each other’s strengths as they built on so many wonderful memories. Their amazing children David Jr., Mallori, and Melanie of Pin Oak Township, IL always impressed their Dad with their accomplishments, independence, and faith. His parents who were great role models, teachers, and providers John and Jeanette Dempsey, married 53 years, of O’Fallon, IL. A brother John (Melinda) and nephews Alex and Patrick Dempsey. A sister Mary Ellen (Tommy) and niece Ellie and nephew Grayson Prichard. Loving father and mother-in-law Dave and Linda Wolf, Sister-in-Law Lori (Matt) Headley. His other brother, Dave Burroughs, who he spent his Glory Days. His inspiration and student Abby Schrage who taught him what it means to have courage. Their matchmaker Bob Dettling. Numerous loving uncles, aunts, cousins, in-laws, friends, brother Knights, Scouts, students and co-workers.
Prayers for the family are greatly appreciated. David requested an act of service special to his last profession, teaching. David knew many good parents and their children; he also knew some students whose parents need a neighbor’s or extended family member’s support so their child could succeed at school. Please give your time and energy to a student whose teacher will be grateful! Memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 1143 to be used toward scholarships at Father McGivney Catholic High School.
Visitation will be Tuesday, June 1, 2021 from 4:00-8:00 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville. Knights of Columbus Assembly 1829 will host a chalice service at 6:00.
Service: Visitation will continue Wednesday, June 2, 2021 from 9-10 AM at St. Boniface. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM at St. Joseph’s Shrine, St. Louis, MO. Burial will be at the St. Boniface Cemetery, Edwardsville, IL. All attendees are encouraged to use the shuttles provided that will leave from St. Boniface and return there after the burial.