David Ralph Wilson

David Ralph Wilson

Iowa City

David Ralph Wilson, 77, of Iowa City, died Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The family will greet visitors from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, at Gay & Ciha Funeral Home, 2720 Muscatine Avenue, Iowa City. Funeral services will be held there at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, with the Rev. Nora Boerner officiating, followed by a time of fellowship with light refreshments. The family will hold a private burial at a later date.

Dave was born on Oct. 26, 1945, in Muscatine, Iowa, to Ralph and Lelia (Hanft) Wilson. He was raised on his parents’ farm in Columbus Junction, Iowa, and graduated from Columbus High School in 1964.

Dave married his childhood sweetheart, Ruth Hanson, on Aug. 20, 1966, in Columbus Junction. Dave and Ruth attended the University of Iowa together and established their home in Iowa City.

Dave held positions as general manager of local Fleetway stores, purchasing agent for Fruin-Colnon Construction at Proctor and Gamble, and health and welfare administrator for Local 125 Plumbers and Pipefitters. Dave was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Iowa City, where he served on the vestry and various committees.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth of Iowa City; son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Stephanie Wilson of Iowa City; daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Michael Bearbower of Waterloo; brother and sister-in-law, Daniel and Mary Wilson of Columbus Junction; brother- and sister-in-law, David and Claire Hanson of Iowa City; sister-in-law, Charlotte Warren of Iowa City; nieces and nephew, Cindy Kolb, Jeff Hanson, Andrea Wilson, Emily Settles, Amanda Payne, Hannah Watson and Emma Schroder, and their families; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved aunt, Corriene Hanft.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Trinity Episcopal Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.gayandciha.com.