Dave was born on June 17, 1946, in Merna, Nebraska, a small farming community where he spent his early childhood before his family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. His father later joined the Lincoln Fire Department, retiring as Fire Chief—a role that reflected the family’s strong values of service, dedication, and community.

Dave attended grade school in Nebraska and completed his high school years at the University of Nebraska Teachers College. He went on to attend the University of Nebraska College of Pharmacy, where he began his career as a pharmacist. His first position was at Gilmour Danielson Pharmacy in downtown Lincoln. After a year, Dave took a leap into pharmaceutical sales, joining Merck, Sharp & Dohme. His career with Merck spanned more than 35 years and took him from Council Bluffs, Iowa, to St. Louis, Missouri, where he built lasting professional relationships and earned deep respect for his integrity and work ethic.

While attending pharmacy school, Dave participated in a Salk Polio Clinic as a pharmacy student. It was there that he met Joanne Brockmeier, a student nurse. The two began dating and were married on September 8, 1963, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and devotion. In 2025, Dave and Joanne celebrated 63 years of marriage.

Dave and Joanne spent many cherished years in St. Louis, Missouri, where they were actively involved in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and deeply engaged in their children’s lives and activities. Despite Dave’s well-known fear of heights, he insisted on taking every visitor to see the St. Louis Arch—a family tradition that perfectly captured his determination, humor, and love for sharing experiences.

Later, Dave and Joanne moved to Franklin, Tennessee. After retiring from Merck, Dave returned to his roots as a pharmacist, working for the VA. They became devoted members of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, where Dave sang in the choir and participated in mission trips to Ecuador, reflecting his generous heart and quiet faith.

Dave loved the outdoors and had a creative, hands-on spirit. He enjoyed woodworking and stained glass and could make or fix just about anything. He thrived on staying busy and was often recognized by the sound of his cheerful whistling throughout the day.

To his children and grandchildren, Dave—lovingly known as “Pappy”—was a constant source of encouragement, fun, and unconditional love. He had a nickname for everyone: kiddo, snickerdoodle, peanut, and pumpkin. He had a wicked ping-pong game, a mischievous sparkle in his eye, and was always the first to cheer you on. His loyalty to his family was unmatched.

Dave was also known for his “selective hearing,” especially when Joanne called out “Dave,” which became a long-running family joke. If someone wasn’t listening, the grandchildren knew exactly what to yell: “DAVE!” No Roomba was ever needed—Pappy was known to take a plate mid-dinner to wash it or follow someone through the house with a vacuum. McDonald’s coffee and hash browns were a favorite, especially on road trips.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Dorothy Fenner; his brothers-in-law Wally Brockmeier and Rev. Dean Brockmeier (Kari); and his sister-in-law Elaine (Bob).

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Joanne; his daughter Michelle (Andres) and  and his cherished grandchildren Berkley (Nate), Lysander, Ethan and Nash.  He is also survived by his brothers Roger (Jean) and Bob; his brother-in-law Wayne (Susan); and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Dave’s life was defined by service, creativity, faith, humor, and deep love for his family. He will be remembered for his kindness, steady encouragement, and the joy he brought to everyday moments. His presence will be profoundly missed and forever cherished. There will be a celebration of life in the near future at his home church in Franklin Tn.