David George Rongerude

Dave was born in Portland, Oregon and grew up in The Dalles, Oregon. He received a Bachelor’s of Science from Oregon State University and was the first person in his family to graduate from college. After college, he served in the US Air Force, where he played on the Air Force’s competitive golf team, spent time in Asia, and had a memorable leave in Europe that got more interesting each time he told the story! After his time in the service, Dave returned to the US and had a career in finance that spanned more than 50 years.

In 1969 he married Mary Lee Campbell, the one and only true love of his life. Together they raised three children, Jane, Heather, and Amy. Dave and Mary prioritized family and faith. All three girls attended Catholic school and share many memories of family meals, backyard volleyball games, camping, time on the boat, playing 31, and in the later years, his beautiful garden, grandpa bar-b-ques, and time together at his house next to the Willamette Country Club. After losing Mary to pancreatic cancer in 2006, his granddaughters became the center of his life – even more important than golf! If you talked to Dave, you were going to hear about the many accomplishments of his daughters and granddaughters – and some of them were even true. His daughters and granddaughters were prized treasures in his life and his best, most lasting contribution.

Dave was also a dedicated friend who valued his long-term friendships. Even after he moved from Canby, Oregon to West Des Moines, Iowa in 2022, he kept in touch with many of his friends from Oregon. They remember him as a committed husband, father, and grandfather, a talented golfer, someone who was often funny, and someone who always had a story to share and an opinion he was going to give.

Dave leaves behind his children Jane Rongerude, Heather Rongerude, and Amy (Ben) Yenter, and his granddaughters Lucia Rongerude, Tilda Rongerude, Annabelle Yenter, Mariana Yenter, and Juniper Yenter.

The family is holding two celebrations of his life. The first is Saturday, Sept 13, 2025 in West Des Moines at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Rosary at 10:30 and mass at 11:00. A lunch will follow at noon at McLarens Resthaven Chapel. The second is Thursday, Oct 9, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Canby, Oregon. Rosary at 10:30 and mass at 11:00. A lunch will follow at noon in the parish hall.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to the National Immigrant Justice Center, the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, or the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice.