David J. Theobald
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David J. Theobald, age 52, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on September 4, 2024, at home, while surrounded by his loving family. To honor David’s life, a private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving David’s family.
David was born on April 3, 1972, in Des Moines, IA, a son to Herbert A. and Janet D. (Hoskins) Moorman. He was a kind soul who was naturally gifted and talented in the art of language. Whether in spoken, written, or sign, his limits were only ever stifled by his uninhibited imagination. David earned his Associates Degree from Iowa Western Community College and went on to complete his Bachelors of Arts and Legal Interpretation Certification from the University of Northern Colorado. He faithfully participated in the Iowa Board of Sign Language Interpreters and Transliterators and eventually earned his Masters level as a NAD5. His love for others and ability to share his time and talents without hesitation was continually on display throughout his life and he most recently invested his years with the Dubuque Community School District. David faced life as his mission field to serve others and all who knew and loved him can easily attest to the fact that it was truly a success story in each step along the way.
David always took time to enjoy life as well and his interests were what some would call eclectic, but in David’s mind, it all brought him great joy and made absolutely perfect sense. Reality TV was near the top of the list for sure, but comic books, action figures, toys, and LEGOS rarely took second place to any competition for his time and attention. David also enjoyed Winnie the Pooh and tulips any time of the year, but hands down, his family and friends were always where his pride and joy was best satisfied. The world around us today is sadly a little darker and missing the bright light and love that David continually enjoyed sharing with everyone he came in contact with. We will miss him dearly and more than words could ever accurately describe, but we find peace in knowing that he didn’t have to fight his earthly battle with cancer any longer than necessary. Thank you, David, for simply being you and for diligently reminding us that it’s ok to prioritize a little personal time after we’ve committed the majority of our time to serve others whenever possible.
Those left behind to cherish the memory of David include,
his beloved partner of 28 years,
John J. “Jake” Theobald, Dubuque, IA;
his parents,
Janet (Robert) Rice, West Des Moines, IA;
his sister,
Jennifer “Jensa” (Carl Randall) Hutchinson, Cedar Rapids, IA;
his “niblings”,
Ava “Pretty Bird” Hutchinson, Cedar Rapids, IA,
Camille “Little Flower” Hutchinson, Cedar Rapids, IA,
and Isaiah “Silly Turtle” Hutchinson, Cedar Rapids, IA;
along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.
David was preceded in death by his father, Herb Moorman; and his grandparents, Imogene and Archie Moorman, Deane and Arlouine Hoskins, and Elizabeth Rice.
David’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.
Online condolences may be shared with David’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com
To honor David’s life, a private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
David will so be missed!
I was shocked in disbelief when I heard the news.
I will always be grateful for David. He interpreted my mother in-laws funeral in Dyersville for my daughter. It was so hot and humid out. I told him to not wear black because of the heat. Professional as always, he showed up in black. David interpreted the funeral with emotion and expression of a true expert in his profession.
Gone too soon. ❤️
David profoundly impacted my life positively in so many ways. He was by far the best interpreter I had ever seen and the most compassionate and loving friend who was a bright light in my life ever since our paths crossed in 2008. I’m still at loss for words as I process my grief but am sending my deepest and most loving condolences. David was loved very deeply by me and so many within and beyond our Deaf community. He is already sorely missed.
I’m so deeply sorry for the quick passing of David. He was so completely described in this beautiful tribute. You all have my loving deep sympathy.
David was in my first class at Iowa Western Comm College. He was such a joy to everyone he met. He knew languages, living life and loving others. Such a gift. He is deeply loved. May Angels lead him home.
I don’t have the beautiful words to say how very sorry I am for your loss. Just know I am thinking and praying for your family in this truly difficult time. I feel as if I knew him well just through the pictures and writings we shared. And I know how proud you were of him and how truly loved he was. Take your time to grieve it will be a long journey. I love you my dear friend.
Our hearts ache for you as you navigate this unimaginable loss. The impact David has had on your life is incredibly clear and immeasurable in every way-what an amazing person and what a remarkable life. I feel so lucky that he was part of our family. Deepest love and tightest hugs to you uncle jake.🌷
David was an interpreter in my first grade class 2 years ago. I was amazed how much he brought to our classroom. He had a big heart, always bringing in little trinkets for the class. He loved celebrating holidays with the students. He was a kind, caring soul and someone I could count on for advice. We often talked about teenagers because we were both dealing with them in our family lives. His love of life was abundantly clear as soon as you met David. I I will miss his seeing him, but so glad I had the opportunity to know him.
Sending our love and prayers to your family at this time. David loved people and his life was a testament of his many abilities to serve others and share meaningful joy and memories. May you be blessed during this difficult time of mourning and celebrate the joy David brought to others.
I’ve known David for many years through the educational field. He was a master of languages! I always enjoyed our conversations. He will be sorely missed. God rest his soul. God bless his loving family.
Oh David, I will dearly miss your generosity, quirkiness and sense of humor. You brightened a classroom like no other. The kids adored you.
I pray for the gentle repose of your soul and for the comfort of Jake and your loved ones.
Jake-Me and Greg are so sorry to hear of your beloved partner’s passing. I so enjoyed watching him interpret songs at Carver concerts. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Much love and peace to you.
I had the pleasure to get to know David at Carver. We would pass each other, and he would always stop and chat with me. We would end up talking for quite a while because he was so friendly and easy to talk to. He never forgot previous things we chatted about. I’m so glad I was able to get to know him, even though it was for a short while. He made a positive impact on those around him and will be missed!
My favorite patient of all time. Such a bright star on a cloudy day. David will truly be missed.
I have such fond memories of my times with David. Whenever we were together I remember laughing so hard sometimes that I could hardly catch my breath. He was such a beautiful soul. My thoughts are with Jake and Jennifer and his entire family.
I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing. I will miss how he always lit up a room with his animated tales and impressions. He will forever live in my memory as the goofy fun guy making faces at me behind a couch cushion to make me smile. He will be missed, love to Jake and everyone.
I’m very sorry to hear about David’s passing. I got to know him many years ago through some relatives of my ex-wife, and he was always a wonderful person to be around. Though I didn’t keep in touch with him as well as I wish I would have over the years since, it was always great to be able to see him or speak to him again. The world truly was a better place for David having been in it.