David Aldridge

David Thomsen Aldridge, 67, died Monday, January 11, 2021. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, January 18, 2021 at McLaren’s Funeral Home, 801 19th St. in West Des Moines, with a memorial service following at 2 p.m.

David was born December 8, 1953, in Omaha, NE, but spent most of his life in Des Moines and West Des Moines. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1972 and earned a business degree from Simpson College in ‘76. Following his passion for all things audio, he applied himself to electronics engineering at DMACC and graduated two years later.

Dave worked for Phillips Petroleum in Bartlesville, OK, Aurora, CO and Odessa, TX. He decided to move back to Des Moines to pursue a different career path and to assist his parents, who were very grateful for his help. His financial-adviser career began at the downtown office of Merrill-Lynch in 1986.

Through mutual friends, David met the love of his life, Norma James. They kindled a relationship and were married October 14, 1989 at Plymouth Congregational Church, and began married life in Windsor Heights. Their sons, Alex and Bennett, were born in 1992 and 1995, and the family settled in West Des Moines in 1997.

David held a series of financial adviser positions with Merrill Lynch, Raymond James and finally Berthel Fisher. His clients and his enormous social circle were big priorities in his life. David treasured his friends and he loved a party. He also was a lover of nature, which he enjoyed while fishing or playing golf, both of which he shared with his sons.

Dave was proud to be an Eagle Scout, a 30-year member of Gnemeth Lodge #577, and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite mason recognized with the Knight Commander of the Court of Honour. He served for years on the Des Moines Consistory Sound Committee, and the Investment Committee of the Iowa Scottish Rite Masonic Foundation. He was an active member of Za Ga Zig Shrine, and Court 46, Royal Order of Jesters, but was best known for his exceptional service planning and preparing banquets for Shrine events.

Uppermost in Dave’s life though, was family. He was devoted to Norma and his sons, parents, brother and sister, the big-German-family relatives, and to his wife’s family as well. Like his mother Liz, David never met a stranger and was genuinely interested in other people. He loved nothing better than to have a short drink and a long visit. He reveled in holiday family get-togethers and was very proud of his two sons.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Food Bank of Iowa or pantry of your choice.