David Eugene Andreasen was born on June 3, 1974, to Gene and Judy (Killeen) Andreasen in Audubon, Iowa. Dave discovered in 2020 his health was affected by cancer. As his battle began, Dave’s family, friends, and medical team were his strong support system to find the laughter, smiles and memories no matter the day. Dave’s final journey ended on March 23, 2022, at his home in Audubon surrounded by Jo and their children, at the age of 47 years, 9 months, 20 days.
Dave grew up in rural Audubon, Iowa with his parents and siblings. The days were adventurous, and the stories are endless about their activities. He attended Audubon schools through the eighth grade and then moved to the Jefferson school system for part of his high school education. His pride was when he completed his GED at the age of 42 years. Dave proved to all of us his drive to succeed no matter where you were in life can happen. Outside of the school, Dave was found to be disassembling anything he could which was nurtured by his father Gene. This “fix it”, “figure it out” skill set continued throughout his life. Dave was creative and provided “chopper bikes” for his kids, “sleds” out of hog feeder lids and car hoods made into carnival rides for winter fun. No matter what age the kids were or what activity they were involved with, Dave was found to be supporting and making sure their visions were met. These visions included:
• the wooden box prop for Bree’s senior dance solo that was a dedication to her Dad, “Glad you came.”
• Ben’s senior prank which Dave enjoyed engineering and watching unfold.
• Heath’s desire to learn to ride dirt bikes which continues today with Heath’s passion for motorcycles (Victory for both Dave and Heath)
• Blade’s fascination with video games as Dave was his biggest fan.
• Bringing Jade home for Christmas during the storm of 2009, his driving ability got her home, as the authorities closed the roads behind them as they traveled.
Driving and creating unique builds brought the Mud Car to life. That infamous car was his pride and joy! Dave could be found in his shop making anything work or happen against all odds. Dave enjoyed doing work for his mom on her car or creating camera mounts for hunting. Dave was quiet and definitely enjoyed seeing his family and friends happy.
Dave applied his talents to his construction and welding careers. Through the years he met great team members that became lifelong friends.
In 2000, Dave met Jonelle Gaskill-Irlmeier and her three children, Jade, Ben and Heath. This relationship instantly became the heart of their family, and two children were added to the relationship, Blade and Bree. As the years came and went, the children grew up and brought more family members into his life, Tracy, Emily and Kaiden. Two grandchildren quickly became his joy, Brayden and Madison.
Preceding him in death were his father, Gene Andreasen; his brother-in-law Denny Hacker, his brother-in-law, Tommy Young; and other family members.
Survivors include the love of his life, Jonelle Gaskill-Irlmeier, their children, Jade (Tracy Jensen) Irlmeier; Ben (Emily) Irlmeier; Heath Irlmeier; Blade Andreasen; Bree (Kaiden Smith) Andreasen. His grandchildren, Brayden and Madison. His mother, Judy Bishop and her husband, Steve. His siblings, Monty (Tina Leewright) Andreasen, Neil (Angi O’Grady) Andreasen, Jenny Hacker. Nieces and nephews and other relatives and many, many friends.
Per Dave’s requests, he is being cremated with no services at this time.
Dave’s family asks that you wrap those memories in your heart. There will be a “Days of Dave” celebration at a later time to share those memories, so that Dave’s legacy will live on daily.
From our family circle, Dave, Jade, Tracy, Ben, Emily, Madison, Brayden, Heath, Blade, Kaiden, Bree, and Jo look forward to unwrapping those memories with all of you.
Peace be with you all.
