Hawkins, David W. 1938-2011

HAWKINS, ZIMMERMAN, DENNISTON

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 10/24/2011 at 11:59:30

David W. Hawkins

Monday, August 29, 2011
Le Mars Daily Sentinel

David W. Hawkins, 73, rural Orange City, died suddenly Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.
David Wendell Hawkins was born March 10, 1938, on the family farm in Elgin Township, rural Plymouth County, Iowa, the son of Albert and Annie (Zimmerman) Hawkins. David was baptized into the Methodist faith and confirmed at the Seney United Methodist Church.

David attended country school in Elgin Township through the 7th grade and then continued his education in Le Mars graduating from Le Mars Central High School with the Class of 1956. During high school, Dave helped on the family farm and participated in FFA.

Following high school, he served with the Iowa Air National Guard from 1959 to 1965 attaining the rank of Airman First Class.

David was united in marriage to Judy Denniston March 2, 1962, at Calvary Evangelical United Brethren Church in Le Mars. David and Judy were blessed with four children: Bonnie, Roma, Tammy, and Curt.

David and Judy actively farmed and fed cattle and hogs on their farm in Elgin Township until retirement in 2006. They continued to live on the farm during retirement. During retirement, Dave enjoyed working in his vegetable garden and visiting with family and friends.

Through the years, David has been very active with agriculture organizations. He received the American Farmer Award, Star Farmer Award, Wallace Master Farmer Award, and in 2005 was designated an Iowa Century Farm. He was a 4-H Leader, served on the Alton Elevator Board of Directors, Plymouth County Farm Bureau, Plymouth County Cattleman's Association, Plymouth County Pork Producers Association, Elgin Township Clerk, Farm Business Association Board, Plymouth County Fair Board, and the Plymouth County Historical Museum Board.

He also was actively involved with the Seney United Methodist Church having served on many committees and boards as needed. Dave served many years on the Christian Needs Center Board of Directors. He also enjoyed volunteering with the Plymouth County Historical Museum for the last several years.

Dave was a member of antique tractor (2-cylinder) and machinery organizations. He enjoyed collecting and restoring antique John Deere tractors and other antique farm machinery with his father-in-law, Aaron Denniston, brother, Richard Hawkins and later his grandchildren. His first tractor he restored was his father's 1929 John Deere D.

Dave's passions in life were his family and grandchildren. The family enjoyed many vacations and trips to purchase cattle.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Judy; four children, Bonnie Klein and her husband Steve of Ankeny, Roma Lancaster and her husband Todd of Le Mars, Tammy Popken and her husband Todd of Akron, and Curt Hawkins (Jaime) of Le Mars; nine grandchildren: Lynn (Laramie) Klein, Brittany (Cory) Wiederin, Stacy Klein, Matt Lancaster, Zach (Michelle) Lancaster, Alex (Maria) Popken, Austin Popken, Amanda (Richard) Hawkins, Dylan Hawkins, and Hunter Hawkins; two great-grandchildren, Kain and Avin Peters; a step-sister, Jean Gritzmaker of Le Mars; three brothers-in-law, Larry (Angie) Denniston of Virginia Beach, Va., Gary (Judy) Denniston of Indianola, and Don (Jeri) Denniston of Kempner, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Annie (Zimmerman) Hawkins; a granddaughter, Samantha Hawkins; two brothers, Richard (Jean) Hawkins and Albert Wayne Hawkins in infancy; a sister, Blanche (Robert) Dennler; his step-father, Earl Chapman; his parents-in-law, Aaron and Goldie Denniston; and a sister-in-law, Louise Denniston.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Seney United Methodist Church, Seney, with the Rev. Don Nelson officiating. Interment will be at the Elgin Township Cemetery-Seney with military honors provided by the Wasmer American Legion Post 241 of Le Mars. Visitations with the family present will be after 3 p.m. today (Monday) at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will continue Tuesday morning at the church from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Pallbearers will be Matt Lancaster, Zach Lancaster, Alex Popken, Austin Popken, Dylan Hawkins, Cory Wiederin, Laramie Sandquist and Jeff Wielenga. Honorary pallbearers will be Lynn Klein, Brittany Wiederin, Stacy Klein, Maria Popken, Michelle Sluiter, Amanda Hawkins, and Richard Peters.