David T. Bushaw Sr., 50, of Oelwein died Saturday, June 6, 2020 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd from 4:00-7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home in Oelwein.  Memorials may be directed to the family.

David Tefay Bushaw was born on October 1, 1969 in Manchester, Iowa, the son of Jenny Thoma and Donald Bushaw Jr.  Dave grew up in Strawberry Point, and received most of his education in the Starmont School District.  Dave attended West Central School with the class of 1988, and was a member of the football team. 

Dave married Barbara Schulmeister after high school and fatherhood soon followed.  They later divorced.

He continued his education at Kirkwood and was certified in electrical wiring in 1992.  Dave also attended NICC in Calmar from 2002-2004 where he studied computer skills.   

Dave married Deborah Lathum in 1995, and they were blessed with 4 children.  They later divorced.

He was currently employed at Iowa Farm Land and Livestock Management.  

Dave lived life simply.  He enjoyed nature and all its beauty.  He was great at foraging mushrooms and identifying wild flowers in the woods.  His best friend and beloved dog, Shatina, was always at his side.  He loved to fish, bow hunt, sit around a campfire and camp the "real way."  Dave was quite skilled at survival techniques.

Riding his Harley motorcycle brought him so much joy.  Dave was a hard worker and anxiously waited for weekends to ride either alone or with friends.  His rides often included Backbone State Park, one of his favorite areas to visit.  Dave never tired of the peacefulness that Mother Nature had to offer.  He was a man who loved to feel the sun on his back, the wind in his hair, and the rain on his face.

Dave is survived by his children: John Shaffer of Central City, David Bushaw Jr. of Hawkeye, Jena Bushaw (Jose Perez) of Algona, Colton Bushaw and Staci Bushaw of West Union; his mother Jenny (Mike) Thoma of Oelwein; his father Donald Bushaw Jr. (Beverly) of Westgate; his brother Cody Bushaw of Arlington; one granddaughter, Layla Perez of Algona; his Grandmother, Ivanelle Bushaw of Strawberry Point; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Robert and Barbara Hertenstein, and Donald Bushaw Sr.