Tisl, David L. (1935-2022)

TISL, SONKA

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/13/2022 at 15:54:52

David L. Tisl, 86, of Stuart passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at Methodist West Medical Center in West Des Moines. Visitation will be from 2-5 P.M. on Sunday, February 13th with a rosary service beginning at 4:30 P.M. at the All Saints Catholic Church in Stuart. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 A.M. on Monday, February 14th at the All Saints Catholic Church in Stuart. Burial with military honors will be at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Stuart Rescue Unit or the Stuart Library. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com .

Dave was born on June 12, 1935 to Leo and Josephine (Sonka) Tisl in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He grew up in and around Cedar Rapids and attended Wilson High School, graduating with the class of 1953. As a teenager, Dave started playing saxophone alongside his Dad in a local band. He also worked with his Uncle Frank in his heating and cooling business. Following high school, Dave attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, majoring in music and where he met the love of his life at a dance at Mount Mercy College. 10 days after college graduation, he was drafted in the United States Army, serving in Germany before his honorable discharge in 1960.

On August 20, 1960 he was united in marriage to Rosella Hejlik at St. Wenceslaus Church in Duncan, Iowa. To this union, four children were born: Bob, Mary, Mark and Teresa. Dave taught vocal and instrumental music at Maquoketa and Ute before moving to Stuart in 1961 where he taught instrumental music for ten years. He later sold insurance, managed and owned Tisl’s United Super Save, worked in sales and as a customer service representative at Walmart before retiring. He never met a stranger anywhere he went and was always quick with a joke or a “pun”. Rosie and Dave loved to travel together, visiting 47 states and spending 18 winters at Monte Vista Resort in Mesa, AZ. Dave treasured time he was able to spend at his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s events.

In his spare time he loved reading, playing cards, dominoes, bowling, golfing, karaoke, playing pool, watching movies at the theater, Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball. He was a skilled tenor and played saxophone in the Downtowners dance band in the 70's. His love of music and people led him to be a faithful parishioner at All Saints Catholic Church in Stuart where he served as lector, cantor, choir director, Eucharistic Minister, trustee, and was a lifetime member of Council 1961 Knights of Columbus. He was a fourth degree Sir Knight, taught CYO in the 60s, and sang regularly at Mass. For many years, Dave called Bingo in the church hall and at their winter home in Arizona. He also was a charter member of the Stuart Jaycees, Stuart Rescue Unit and a past president of the Stuart Library Board.

He was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Rosie; children: Bob (Christi) Tisl of Adel, Mary (Larry) Tisl-Endres of West Des Moines, Mark (Kari) Tisl of Stuart and Teresa (Jason) Wheelock of Nevada; grandchildren: David Carl (Jennifer) and children: Cael, Andrew, Rowan and Leah, Daniel Carl, Amanda Carl (Tim) and son, Caidan; Brent (Rachel) Tisl and children, Gabrielle and Liam, Kyle (Maghan) Tisl and children, Emberlynn and Dillon, Mitch Tisl (Brijet), Breanna Tisl and Cooper Wheelock; siblings: Ron (Donna) Tisl of Hiawatha, IA Karen (Jerry) Dircks of Rock Hill, SC, Gary (Connie) Tisl of Center Point, IA, Joanne (Gary) Kudrna of Pleasant Hill, IA, aunt, Theresa Ballard of Portland, OR; sister-in-law, Theresa Doran of Prescott Valley, AZ; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that will miss him dearly.