David Charles Fisher

January 15, 1960 - November 4, 2025

There are people in this world who make life lighter, brighter, and better just by being in it - and that was Dave Fisher. Known by many as “Fish,” he was one of those rare people who made everyone feel like a lifelong friend. His laughter filled rooms, his curiosity fueled adventures, and his kindness filled lives.

David Charles Fisher was born on January 15, 1960, in Newton, Iowa, to Robert and Doris Fisher. Growing up in Newton with his brothers Doug, Dan, and Don meant there was never a dull moment. The Fisher boys built a foundation of humor, mischief, and deep family bonds that carried throughout Dave’s life. He graduated from Newton High School with the class of 1978, and from there he began building a life rooted in hard work, faith, and love.

Dave spent more than 30 years serving the Newton community through his work at the Newton Union Cemetery. He took great pride in that job - it wasn’t just maintenance to him; it was care, respect, and quiet service to the families who passed through. After retiring from the City of Newton in 2019, Dave continued his craftsmanship and community work with McCall Monument in Newton for several years.

But Dave was never afraid to chase his dreams. After decades of dedication to the city, he took a leap and started his own business - constructing both a hotel and a gas station right in his hometown of Newton. It was a reflection of his drive, vision, and belief that if you worked hard and dreamed big, anything was possible.

In 2020, Dave and his best friend, Terri, set off on their next big adventure, traveling the country full-time in their RV. They explored national parks, discovered hidden corners of America, traveled to Europe for the first time and built a life filled with laughter, friendship, fun and faith. Eventually, they made Mesa, Arizona, their winter home, where they became part of a warm and welcoming community at Valle del Oro. There, Fish found joy in playing pickleball, softball, game night, happy hours, dancing, swapping stories, and photographing the beauty around him - often with a Mountain Dew nearby and a smile that seemed to say, “This is the life.”

Dave loved many things - adventure, mountains, beach time, travel, camping, photography, all sports on TV, art, thrift shopping, and a good laugh. He loved a beautiful sunset, and he and Terri often ended their days together chasing them across the country. It became their ritual - and their reminder to soak in every moment. The two often joked about their shared motto: “WTF - We’re The Fishers.” It was a perfect reflection of their humor, their love, and their approach to life - bold, joyful, and always together.

But what Dave loved most was people. He was everyone’s friend - the kind of man who remembered your story, who noticed the little things, who listened more than he spoke. His faith in the Lord guided him, quietly and steadfastly, through every season of his life.

When Dave was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in July 2023, he met it as he met everything - with strength, faith, and grace. He never complained, never let the disease define him, and never lost his sense of humor or his zest for life. Even through treatments and challenges, he found ways to travel, play sports, laugh, and live each day fully. His courage was quiet but immeasurable.

Dave’s family was his proudest accomplishment and his greatest joy. He is survived by his loving wife Terri Fisher; Terri’s daughter Bailey (Derrick) and their daughter Marleigh; his four children, Dallas (Ally), Darian (Shelbi) and their daughters Finley and Tilley, Brandon, and Taylor (Barkley). He is also survived by his brothers Doug (Pam), Dan (Lynnette), and Don (Julie); his mother-in-law Shirley Padget; his sister-in-law Tammi DeJong; his brother-in-law Travis Padget and all of his nieces and nephews, who he loved and who adored Uncle Dave.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Doris Fisher and his father-in-law Don Padget.

Dave will be remembered for his laughter, his contagious smile, his work ethic, his endless curiosity, and the way he brought people together. He had a sweet tooth, a camera in hand, and a heart full of gratitude.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at Valle del Oro in Mesa, Arizona, on November 15th, and again in his hometown at the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in Newton, Iowa on Saturday, November 22nd, from 1-4 pm. In honor of his memory, contributions may be left with Terri for distribution to the charities Dave held dear.

Fish’s journey reminds us to chase our dreams, to keep our faith, and to live with joy - no matter what life brings. We’ll carry his laughter, his smile, his stories, and his love wherever we go.

Dave, we love you and you will forever be missed. Thank you for showing us what it means to live fully. Well done good and faithful servant!