David “Dave” Edward Templeton, age 63, of Oto, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025, surrounded by his family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at armstrongfuneral.com.
Born in California on May 20, 1962, Dave was the son of Leo and Alice (Gutteriez) Palar. He received his education in Oakland, California, and later attended college.
Throughout his life, Dave was a man of many talents and wore many hats. He worked as a machinist and metal fabricator, a baker for Otis Spunkmeyer, and a manager for 7-Eleven. While helping his parents relocate from California to Concan, Texas, he became certified in Texas as a nurseryman. During that time, he enjoyed working in Austin and was always ready to lend a helping hand to family and friends.
Dave’s introduction to Iowa came unexpectedly when he gave a friend a ride and found himself in the Midwest. He worked briefly at the Sioux City Brickyard in Sergeant Bluff before beginning his career at Gateway 2000, where he served as an inventory specialist. Due to health issues, Dave retired earlier than he would have liked, but his passion for life never waned.
In 1993, while serving as a groomsman for a co-worker’s wedding, fate intervened. It was there he met the maid of honor and the love of his life, Brenda Heitzman. The two were united in marriage on March 29, 2003 and together they made their home in Oto, Iowa, raising their five children. Dave took immense pride in his family and loved sharing in their accomplishments.
Though born in California, Dave was a Texan at heart, deeply connected to the Hill Country. He loved barbeque, camping, antiques, and his prized possession, a 1966 Chevy step-side pickup. Known for his gift of storytelling and warm Texas-style hospitality, Dave found true joy in cooking for family and friends. His ribs and brisket were legendary so good, he’d often joke they’d “Make you want to slap your Grandma.” No one ever left his home hungry.
Dave also had a creative side and was a talented woodworker. Under the name “Totally Unique Woodworks,” he transformed rough-cut trees and lumber into one-of-a-kind lamps, candlesticks, coat racks, clocks, trunks, tables, and jewelry boxes. His craftsmanship even caught the attention of local television, where he was featured for his artistry.
Dave’s kindness, humor, and love for his family and friends will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him. He is survived by his wife of 22 ½ years Brenda and their children: Adam (Dr. Tiffany Tanner) Heitzman of Omaha, NE, Jeff (Stephanie Jensen) Heitzman of Sioux City, IA, David Templeton of Oto, IA, Brianna (Jenna Govern) Templeton of Ringsted, IA, Lariya Templeton of Cedar Rapids, IA; grandchildren: Emma and Madison Heitzman, Kaden Heitzman, Ciara Heitzman, Ryleigh Heitzman, Casyn Jensen, Shaylee Jensen, Jalyn Jensen, Garik Jensen; great grandchildren: Kolter Heitzman, Kenneth and Hudson Erickson; brother Steve Palar of Texas; sister Veronica Palar-Taylor of California; mother-in-law Gloria Heitzman of Thurston, NE; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Alice Palar; and father in law Gary Heitzman.
