David Theel

David Lee Theel

A.K.A. Moon Dog, Peeps, Papa, Pumba, Uncle Dave

David Lee Theel was born April 22, 1954 in Sioux Falls, SD to Arnold and Cleo Theel. His childhood was full of advice from his sister, adventures with his brother, and hauling for his parent’s trucking company. Graduating from Hartford High School in 1972, Dave then moved to Aurora, CO that summer while waiting to marry his sweetheart from the loop, Karen Theel. They married November 25, 1972, at the age of 18, and had over 52 years of making memories together. Dave continued his love for problem-solving working as a mechanic while in CO. Following four years in CO, the happy couple moved toHartford, SD and then to Sioux Falls, SD to raise their son near family. Dave went to work as a farm machine mechanic and quickly became the go-to for impossible jobs. While he never truly left his love for mechanics, he did attend National College while working as a mechanic, studying computer science. He worked for Automated Systems for over ten years before starting his own company, Software Functions, which he owned and operated for 25 years.

In 1974 Dave welcomed his son, Jonathan. One of his joys was taking Jon fishing, hunting, camping, and spending hours teaching the ways of the world. Stephanie then joined in 1978, forced to find joy in fishing and hunting. He was always available for his children, working hard to make sure they had all they need, while finding time for summer vacations and camping, homework assistance, and making the worst dinners when necessary, while the kids knew it’d be better to just go hungry. He would always welcome the kids Karen would bring in, especially the Hanlon’s and neighbor kids, ensuring they also learned to camp and fish, and the importance of a well-kept pick-up, all while reminding them that he isn’t their uncle or even hanging them from the garage rafters.

As you already know, Dave was an avid prankster, but not like the average prankster. From leaving a fish on the neighbor’s porch to Trick-or-Beer’ing during Halloween to a visit from the grim reaper, phrases like “THEEL!!” or “DAVID!” were signature signs of successful shenanigans. He loved all the camping and fishing adventures with family and friends, even getting stuck out in the boat overnight with no food or blankets. His other joy was his garage. He would have many talks in the garage with his buddies, and they always knew where to find him, either working on his 1992 pickup or perfecting (jerry-rigging) his latest project.

Our lives were changed on July 20th when he went running home to Jesus. He had been battling delirium following a surgery in June 2024, leading to his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Through his struggles he would still have the best one-liners, was always kind and loving, and ready to help even though he couldn’t. Even towards the end when he was barely holding on, his face always lit up when he saw Karen. We should all be so lucky to find that someone who makes us giddy every time we see them.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Karen, his children Jonathan (Anne) and Stephanie (Nate), his grandchildren Alexandria, Orion, and Natalie, his brother Dan (Rhonda), dear friends Bill and Julie Hone, Pat Kruel, Greg Berke, the Hanlon’s, many “outlaws”, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Cleo Theel, his sister, Shirley Ahrendt, grandson, Nathaniel Theel, dear friends Jerry Kruel and Leora Williams.