Died unexpectedly Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Methodist Fremont Health
Dave was born to Don and Fran Theophilus on June 13, 1941, in Sioux City, Iowa. He spent several of his early years living at Fort Robinson, Nebraska during WWII because his father was stationed there during the war. Fort Robinson had a profound influence on his early childhood, and throughout the years he would often take his family there to visit. Several years back, he and his brother Don donated to the Fort Robinson museum a ''ship in a bottle'', which was made by one of the German prisoners of war. After the war, Dave grew up mostly in Norfolk, Nebraska where he was a good student and athlete, even though his mother once tried to convince a doctor he had ''tired blood.''
Despite the tired blood, he attended Wayne State College where he played football and met the love of his life, Karol Rasmussen. The first time Dave saw Karol in his speech class, he told his incredulous friends he was going to marry her --but it took him well over a year to even ask her out on a date. They were married for 60 years, and after all these years, he still had eyes only for Karol and could frequently be heard saying ''hubba hubba'' when he looked at her. Dave and Karol were married in August 1964. They first lived in Sioux City, Iowa, then Salt Lake City, Utah, where Dave received his meteorology degree.
He then began his beloved career as a meteorologist for the National Weather Service. They lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a few years and then moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota for 20 years. In 1990, they moved from Sioux Falls to Fremont, Nebraska when Dave became meteorologist in charge for the state of Nebraska. Dave spent a total of 26 years with NWS before he retired in 1993.
Dave was a man of many interests. He loved watching his kids and grandkids sporting events, band concerts and other activities and delighted in measuring and recording the grandkids heights on the back of the bathroom door. As a fourth generation Nebraskan, he was a lifelong Huskers fan, particularly the football and basketball teams. Throughout his life he was an active Ham Radio Operator, call sign W0NRW, which you could find on his vehicle license plates. He was also very active with the United Methodist Church and was a longtime volunteer with Friends of the Fremont Library, helping out with its annual book sale. Dave was known for his kindness, his willingness to take care of others, and his quirky sense of humor. He was also a fashion maverick and his outfits frequently featured pocket protectors, with a variety of pens, pencils and other useful gadgets.
Dave is survived by his wife Karol, his brother Don and his wife Anita, his son Matthew and wife Rebecca, their six children Ben, Anna, Charlie, Adie, Emily and Grace; daughter Nicole and husband Joel, and their five children, Madeline, Ethan, Sam, Owen and Stella and youngest daughter Suzanne. He is also survived by multiple brothers- and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Dave was so loved by his family and friends and will be missed by so many.
The family asks that memorials in his honor be directed to the Wayne State College foundation.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 20, 2025 at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel from 3pm to 7pm with the family present from 5pm to 7pm. The funeral will be 10:30, Friday at the Fremont First United Methodist Church.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Livestream available through the church website:
https://www.fremontfirstumc.org/watch-church-online?sapurl=Lys1ZmpkL2xiL2xpLys4dGJ6eTZ6P2JyYW5kaW5nPXRydWUmZW1iZWQ9dHJ1ZSZyZWNlbnRSb3V0ZT1hcHAud2ViLWFwcC5saWJyYXJ5Lmxpc3QmcmVjZW50Um91dGVTbHVnPSUyQjh0Ynp5Nno=
A recording of the service will be uploaded following the service to Dave's page.
Condolences(23)
Theodore Parsons
Sioux Falls, SD Thursday, February 20, 2025 My deepest heartfelt condolences. I went to high school with Matt. Often heard good stories about his dad and family. My dad recently passed away, He went to Wayne State too:). My love, wishes and prayers to you in this very difficult time.SHARON CARLSON
FREMONT, NE Thursday, February 20, 2025 Our deepest sympathies to you, Karol, and your family. We know that Dave was a great person and that he will be missed. Our prayers are with all of you at this time. Sharon/Gary CarlsonJulie Ronning
Minneapolis, Thursday, February 20, 2025 I was so sad to hear of Dave's sudden death. I spent so many years in your Sioux Falls home as a babysitter. He was always Mr. Theophilus to me. I don't think I ever called him Dave. I have memories of his quiet manner and keen intellect.A life well lived.
I am so sorry Karol, Matthew, Niki and Suzie.
Art Zygielbaum
Lincoln, NE Thursday, February 20, 2025 Dave added so much to the amateur radio community. He encouraged and educated people about our hobby. He stressed the link between amateur radio, weather observation and the protection of communities from the impact of weather.He was always available for opinion and recommendation when asked. We will miss his talent and his caring.
Art Zygielbaum, K0AIZ, ARRL Midwest Division Director
Jean Anstine
Sioux Falls, SD Thursday, February 20, 2025 Our sympathy and condolences to you, Karol and family; so sorry to hear of Dave’s sudden death. We especially remember our recreational times and our affiliation through Asbury Methodist! Sincerely, Ed and Jean AnstineJeff Ball
Sioux Falls, SD Thursday, February 20, 2025 Karol and Theophilus family, sorry to hear of the passing of Dave (w0nrw). Dave and I were Ham radio buddies back in Sioux Falls, SD. Dave was a wonderful guy and dedicated radio club member. He was instrumental in training hams in our area to be severe weather spotters for the local NWS. RIP Dave, 73 wd0exr, Jeff Ball.Don Dickmeyer
Omaha, NE Thursday, February 20, 2025 Karol, So sorry to read that Dave has passed away. This comes from your OLD mailman!Sandy Murphy
Norfolk, NE Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Karol and family,So very sorry to hear about Dave. Please know you are all in my thoughts & prayers. We will miss him so much. A great guy.
Wes Wingett
Norfolk, NE Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Karol and family, Karen and I send our thoughts and prayers to you. Karen did not know either of you only through the stories that I told her about the red VW, an excellent football player marrying a fine basketball player, the wedding in Manilla, the joy of seeing the two of you together on the campus of Wayne State College. Dave was a good Nebraska man and he married a fine Iowa woman.Jim and Cathy Fischer
Sparks, NV Wednesday, February 19, 2025 So very sorry to hear of the passing of Dave. Our first introduction to the NWS was in Sioux Falls n the early 1980’s under the watchful eye of Dave who took all the newbies under his wing. Dave and Carol showed us kindness and inclusion into their family during our 5 years in Sioux Falls. Wonderful memories we still cherish today.Larry AyresCondolences from your 'Old Drling
Sioux Falls, SD Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Condolences from your old 'Darling Daisies' coach. So sorry to learn of your loss. Your attendance at all those basketball games while at Robert Frost brought back memories of your family's faithful attendance and support.Larry
Sherianne Busskohl
Elkhorn, NE Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Karol and Family, I was so sorry to learn about the loss of Dave! My hope is that warm and happy memories of Him will eventually replace all the sadness in your 💕 hearts. Sincerely, SherryErin Jansa
Minneapolis, MN Wednesday, February 19, 2025 I spent time in the Theophilus home in the 80s and 90s, a teenage friend of Niki’s. I can’t recall Dave uttering nary a word in those days. He quietly claimed his space amid the teen tornado, tracking us out of the corner of his eye, a bemused smirk forming. He sure could weather a storm! My heart is with his family in their sadness.Kris
Madison, WI Wednesday, February 19, 2025 I’m laughing through my tears at this perfect tribute to our beloved Dave. He clearly instilled in his kids his wonderful sense of humor. We all loved him so and will miss him dearly. Much love to sister Karol, Matt, Niki and Suzy and their families.Eunice Warren
Fremont, NE Tuesday, February 18, 2025 So very sorry for your loss, Karol!Pat Nelson
Surprise, AZ Tuesday, February 18, 2025 So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.Larry and Pat Snyder
Fremont, NE Tuesday, February 18, 2025 Karol ~ We are so sad to hear about Dave’s passing! He was a great person and will be missed! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼Don & Betty (Barneke) Dammast
NORFOLK, NE Tuesday, February 18, 2025 We were so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I (Betty) was in the Norfolk High Class of 1959 with Dave. He was the "glue"that kind of held the class together in later years keeping class members apprised of reunions, deaths of other classmates, etc. All off you are in our thoughts and prayers.Steve Schurr
Newton, KS Tuesday, February 18, 2025 Sad to hear of Dave's passing. It was my honor and pleasure to serve in the National Weather Service under his capable direction as Nebraska Area Manager. He was truly one of the good guys in our outfit.Kris
Madison, WI Tuesday, February 18, 2025 I’m laughing through my tears at this perfect tribute to our beloved Dave. He clearly instilled in his kids his wonderful sense of humor. We all loved him so and will miss him dearly. Much love to sister Karol, Matt, Niki and Suzy and their families.Kim Stabbe
Fremont, NE Tuesday, February 18, 2025 So sorry for your loss. Dave was so good at helping Karol get up and running for our yoga zoom class. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.Larry & Judi Voecks
Custer, SD Monday, February 17, 2025 Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you, a lot of found memories of a long time friend and gentleman.Raeola Smith
FREMONT, NE Monday, February 17, 2025 My deepest sympathy.So sorry for your loss 🙏