David Leroy Van Dam

Born May 25th, 1940 to John and Vivian (Cordes) Van Dam in Heron Lake, Minnesota. David was raised on the family farm, the oldest of five children, Jerry, Myrna, Rodney, and Pamela.

After graduating from Okabena High School in 1957 he enlisted in the United States Army. He valiantly served from 1965 to 1966 in Vietnam. At the age of 50, David graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelors degree in Addiction Counseling.

On February 16, 1980 David married his beloved wife, Peggy (Carney). Together they built an amazing life full of love, laughter, and adventure. They enjoyed family, friends, cruising, and the occasional casino. In their retirement years they split their time between their home in Eden Prairie Minnesota and Sahuarita Arizona. Early 2022 they relocated to New Braunfels Texas, excited to start the next chapter in their lives.

David impacted so many lives during his journey of life. His ability to laugh even during his most difficult times was admired by many. He brought so much joy to so many people. He enjoyed history, music, and a good western.

He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy; children Tracy Brunnette of Cottage Grove, MN, Leslie (Robert) Albertson of New Braunfels, TX, Michele (Stacy) Breihan of San Marcos, TX and Lance (Teia) Johnson of Big Lake, MN; Grandchildren Crystal (Chris) Siegert, Taylor Breihan, Matthew(Leigh-Ann) Brunnette, Brandi (Brandon) Sanken, Benjamin (Brandon Crow) Brunnette, and Colton (Kelly) Czanstkowski; Great Grandchildren Clayton, Whitney, Hudson, and Emerson Siegert, Karla Sanken, Catherine, and Claire Brunnette, and Stephen Crow.

David was preceded in death by his parents John Van Dam and Vivian (Cordes) Van Dam, brothers Rodney Van Dam and Jerry Van Dam; and sister Myrna (Van Dam) Schaffer.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the many people at Audie L. Murphy VA hospital and Generous Hospice for the genuine care provided for David.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in remembrance of David Van Dam can be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, www.vvmf.org or the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, https://secure.acsevents.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=relay_donate_now, search for “Rancho Dudes and Babes”, this is the event that David and Peggy were a part of in Arizona.

A military funeral honors and committal service will take place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209, shelter 2, on Friday, July 7, 2023, at 11:15 AM.

Celebration of Life Reception will be held on Sunday, July 9, 2023, from 12 PM to 4 PM at Voss Farm Clubhouse, 2006 Pahmeyer Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/san-antonio-cremation for the van Dam family.