David Lee Shoemaker

Born in Iowa, he was raised in the small town of Belle Plaine, where he met his future wife, Donna Vandivier. After high school graduation, David enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force base specializing in instrument calibration He returned to Iowa after completing his military training and married Donna. They moved to Great Falls and their adventures took them overseas to France, then to California and then back to Great Falls. His extended service took him to Vietnam in 1968 where he served with honor. David pioneered the real estate sector in Great Falls where he founded Golden Post Realty, the first Century 21 franchise in the state of Montana and he later presided over the National Associations of Realtors. His passion for education led him to establish the Montana Real Estate Institute, imparting his statistic housing policy, residential, real estate appraisal and more.

David and Donna founded many businesses together as their interests and travels introduced them to opportunities. They loved the challenge of growing new pursuits. The successes he garnered, he often said were to fuel 3 things: travel, contributions and spoiling grandchildren.

David was an avid educator, teaching courses at the school he founded or in partnership with other institutions, but he shared his love of learning primarily with his grandchildren. His interests varied from gardening, gambling, fishing and family time and his relentless pursuit of knowledge. He is survived by his wife Donna, children Robert Shoemaker, Diana Demers, 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, his sister Ruth. He was preceded in death by his oldest son Terrance Shoemaker.

David's journey was marked by his relentless pursuit of knowledge, a deep commitment to his family and passion for nurturing growth, be it in his gardens in markets or the people he so loved. His legacy is the lives he touched, the businesses he built, his military service and the unwavering love he shared with his family. He will be remembered as a guiding light, an inspiring mentor and a loving patriarch.