David Louis Kassebaum

May 4, 1929 - March 15, 2016

LCDR David Louis Kassebaum, USN (Ret.) passed away the morning of March 15, 2016 from complications due to Prostate Cancer. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, Naval Aviator, and friend, he lived for 87 years with a lust for life, a generous heart, and a tremendous faith in God.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Dave attended Roosevelt High School and Christian Brothers College before graduating from Subiaco Academy in Arkansas. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 18 in 1948. As an enlisted serviceman, he served as an Aviation Machinist Mate on the TBM Avenger and Plane Captain on the F4U Corsair while serving in VF-53 (1948-1949). During the Korean War, he made deployments in USS Valley Forge (CV-45) and USS Essex (CV-9) from 1950-1952. Subsequently, he was honorably discharged in 1952 and attended the University of St. Louis where he earned a Bachelor Degree. He re-entered the U.S. Navy as an Officer and was picked up for the Flight Program. He reported to Pensacola, Florida as an Ensign for flight training in 1956.

On June 6, 1957, LTJG Kassebaum married Estelle L. Rubano of St. Louis, Missouri. Together, they finished Basic and Intermediate Flight Training in Pensacola and headed to Kingsville, Texas where “Kass” went through Advanced Flight Training. He received his “Wings of Gold” in August 1958 and reported to Los Alamitos, California where he flew with FASRON 8. His favorite trainer was the F9F5 Panther. He transitioned to the S-2 at VS-37 while in Los Alamitos and deployed aboard USS Hornet (CVS-12) in 1960. In 1961, Dave promoted to Lieutenant and moved to Coronado, California with his family where he served at VS-41. Next, he was assigned as ship’s company to the V-2 Division aboard USS Bennington (CVS-20) in Long Beach. In 1965, he promoted to Lieutenant Commander. During this time, Dave deployed during the Vietnam War in USS Bennington (CVS-20). He made two lengthy deployments with VS-37 between 1965 and 1967. He then moved his family back to Coronado, California where he reported aboard the USS Hornet (CVS-12) and deployed again to Vietnam in 1969. He served on the COMNAVAIRPAC Staff from 1969-1972, Tacron Air Control with Tacron 2 from 1972-1974, and finished his career as the Human Resources Personnel Officer at NAS North Island from 1974-1977.

During his 25 years of service as an Officer and Sailor, LCDR Kassebaum was awarded the following: Air Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy Occupational Service Medal (Asian Clasp), China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (w/star), Korean Service Medal (w/silver star) / (five major battles), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam and Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Color).

After retiring from the U.S. Navy on June 30, 1977, Dave went back to school and completed his MBA at National University and then went to work at the Convair Division of General Dynamics as the Quality Control Manager for the Tomahawk Cruise Missile Program. After this, he worked at Sears in the Tool Department, a position he loved dearly until he excused himself from the work force in 2007.

Once officially retired, he spent the rest of his years supporting Catholic Education and Sports Programs at Marian Catholic High School and later Mater Dei Catholic High School. He also served as a docent on the USS Midway (CV-41) and ministered to friends and family by holding court at his favorite coffee house, Café 976, after daily Mass at St Brigid’s Catholic Church in Pacific Beach. Always ready for the next adventure, “Kass” was quite the survivor and dodged the effects of many illnesses and injuries throughout his life. He was truly an inspiration to all.

“Papa K” will be missed by his family and friends, and by members of his parish at St. Brigid’s Church . He is survived by his daughters, Katherine Gillcrist of La Jolla, San Diego and Nancy Trometter of Gladwyne, Pennsylvania and his eleven grandchildren Jamie, Casey, Nancy, Paul, James, Mary, Teresa, Katherine, David, Allyssa, and Robert as well as numerous nieces and nephews. His parents, Louis and Dortha Kassebaum, and sister, Mary Kathryn “Marikaye” Westerbeck, are deceased. He is at peace in Heaven with his dearly departed wife, Estelle Lee Kassebaum. Together, they loved in life; together they now rest in peace.

The Funeral Mass for LCDR David L. Kassebaum is scheduled at St. Brigid’s Church, 4735 Cass Street, San Diego at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, April 4th. The internment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego at 12:30 P.M. Arrangements are being made by Goodbody Mortuary, 5027 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. In lieu of flowers, Dave requested that donations be sent to The Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Memorial Scholarship, Mater Dei Catholic High School, 1615 Mater Dei Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91913 / (619) 423-2121.