David Buresh
September 9, 1949 ~ July 9, 2025
David James Buresh, 75, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, following a long struggle with cholangiocarcinoma. Per David's request, there will be no formal services. A family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, is assisting the family.
David was born on September 9, 1949, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of James and Doris (Corrie) Buresh.
David graduated from high school in 1967. After high school, David attended Marshalltown Community College and the University of Iowa, graduating from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 1972.
Following graduation, David practiced retail pharmacy in Maryland. David returned to Iowa in late 1973, accepting a position as a pharmacist at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, where he continued to work until his retirement in December 2013.
David married Donna McGowan in 1975; the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary earlier this year.
David was an avid amateur woodworker, always working on a project or helping family members with home improvement activities. He enjoyed being outdoors, traveling, taking photographs, drinking wine, reading, and listening to jazz music.
David is survived by Donna, his dear wife of 50 years, daughters, Laura (Ben) Ross, and Lisa (Carlos) Galarraga; four wonderful grandchildren, Emma, Annabelle, Ariana, and Luis; brother, Gary (Bernice) Buresh; sister, Janine (Larry) Barnes; and several nieces & nephews, and their children.
David was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, two-year-old Janet, and Diane (Tom) Ponche.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the nurses who cared for David, Lisa, from Palliative Care, and Savonna, Ollie, Kelly, Suzanne, and Tracie, from Unity Point Hospice.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
Dave and I worked at St Luke’s Hospital from when he started in 1973, until my family and I moved away from Cedar Rapids in 1978. He was one of the brightest, most professional pharmacists that I have ever worked with in my long career as a pharmacist.
Dave and Donna were good friends and we did things together as couples, and they were always great to be around. Dave asked me to be his Best Man for their wedding in 1975 and I was truly honored to be there with him when he and Donna got married.
I can imagine that he was not only a good husband and father, but a good grandfather as well.
We lost touch with David and Donna after we moved away from Iowa, and I learned about his illness only last week.
Louise and I have had Dave and Donna and the family in our prayers since I learned of his illness only last week.
May he rest in peace!
So sorry your life was cut short. I am glad that you are in the loving arms of your parents and sisters
Sending my love to you Aunt Donna, Lisa and Laura. I always appreciated Uncle Dave’s steadiness and sense of humor. Love Kalen
My sympathy to all of David’s family. I worked with him for many years at St Luke’s. He was an exceptional pharmacist, and an all around great guy. I was blessed to know him. May you find peace.