David C. Theophilus, age 83, of Fremont
Died unexpectedly Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Methodist Fremont Health

Dave was born to Don and Fran Theophilus on June 13, 1941, in Sioux City, Iowa. He spent several of his early years living at Fort Robinson, Nebraska during WWII because his father was stationed there during the war. Fort Robinson had a profound influence on his early childhood, and throughout the years he would often take his family there to visit. Several years back, he and his brother Don donated to the Fort Robinson museum a ''ship in a bottle'', which was made by one of the German prisoners of war. After the war, Dave grew up mostly in Norfolk, Nebraska where he was a good student and athlete, even though his mother once tried to convince a doctor he had ''tired blood.''

Despite the tired blood, he attended Wayne State College where he played football and met the love of his life, Karol Rasmussen. The first time Dave saw Karol in his speech class, he told his incredulous friends he was going to marry her --but it took him well over a year to even ask her out on a date. They were married for 60 years, and after all these years, he still had eyes only for Karol and could frequently be heard saying ''hubba hubba'' when he looked at her. Dave and Karol were married in August 1964. They first lived in Sioux City, Iowa, then Salt Lake City, Utah, where Dave received his meteorology degree.

He then began his beloved career as a meteorologist for the National Weather Service. They lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a few years and then moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota for 20 years. In 1990, they moved from Sioux Falls to Fremont, Nebraska when Dave became meteorologist in charge for the state of Nebraska. Dave spent a total of 26 years with NWS before he retired in 2003.

Dave was a man of many interests. He loved watching his kids and grandkids sporting events, band concerts and other activities and delighted in measuring and recording the grandkids heights on the back of the bathroom door. As a fourth generation Nebraskan, he was a lifelong Huskers fan, particularly the football and basketball teams. Throughout his life he was an active Ham Radio Operator, call sign W0NRW, which you could find on his vehicle license plates. He was also very active with the United Methodist Church and was a longtime volunteer with Friends of the Fremont Library, helping out with its annual book sale. Dave was known for his kindness, his willingness to take care of others, and his quirky sense of humor. He was also a fashion maverick and his outfits frequently featured pocket protectors, with a variety of pens, pencils and other useful gadgets.

Dave is survived by his wife Karol, his brother Don and his wife Anita, his son Matthew and wife Rebecca, their six children Ben, Anna, Charlie, Adie, Emily and Grace; daughter Nicole and husband Joel, and their five children, Madeline, Ethan, Sam, Owen and Stella and youngest daughter Suzanne. He is also survived by multiple brothers- and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Dave was so loved by his family and friends and will be missed by so many.

The family asks that memorials in his honor be directed to the Wayne State College foundation.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 20, 2025 at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel from 3pm to 7pm with the family present from 5pm to 7pm. The funeral will be 10:30, Friday at the Fremont First United Methodist Church.

Online guestbook at

Livestream available through the church website:

https://www.fremontfirstumc.org/watch-church-online?sapurl=Lys1ZmpkL2xiL2xpLys4dGJ6eTZ6P2JyYW5kaW5nPXRydWUmZW1iZWQ9dHJ1ZSZyZWNlbnRSb3V0ZT1hcHAud2ViLWFwcC5saWJyYXJ5Lmxpc3QmcmVjZW50Um91dGVTbHVnPSUyQjh0Ynp5Nno=


A recording of the service will be uploaded following the service to Dave's page.

Recorded Funeral Service

Visitation
Thursday, February 20, 2025
3:00pm to 7:00pm
Ludvigsen Mortuary - Fremont
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE  68025


Thursday, February 20, 2025
With family present from 5-7pm
Ludvigsen Mortuary - Fremont
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE  68025


Service
Funeral Service
Friday, February 21, 2025
10:30am
Fremont First United Methodist Church
815 North Broad Street
Fremont, NE  68025

Condolences(31)

Kyle Weisser Sioux Falls, SD Saturday, March 1, 2025 Dave was a great guy and I owe a lot to him. He was the MIC in Omaha in 1994 and hired me out of college into the National Weather Service. I’m still in the National Weather Service 30 years later! He will be missed.

Bill & Lois Widhalm Norfolk, NE Wednesday, February 26, 2025 RIP Dave Theophilus!
Thanks for your help regarding locating distant members & memories of Norfolk Senior High.
My wife and I “crashed” a number of Norfolk High School reunions … you and your wife, Karol were always so pleasant to reminisce with.
Most sincere condolences to your family and your only brother, Don!

Bill & Lois Widhalm

Connie Schroeder Natzke Rochester, MN Sunday, February 23, 2025 I spent two days in manilla last week finishing up the estates of my two brothers, Lynn and mark when I heard that Dave had died. Please know how sorry I am. You have such a large beautiful family. My good college friend, Karen simms, will be of comfort to you having lost her husband way too soon also. May the Litd give you peace ♥️

Steve Byrd Omaha, NE Sunday, February 23, 2025 I feel so very sad for you, Karol and all of your family. Dave was a fine man with an easy smile, and he was always positive. I will always remember visiting Dave in his office with a problem and then leaving feeling better about things and ready to "git 'er done". I was honored to be Dave's Science and Operations Officer, and I will always remember his help and complete support. May God take him to His mansions in heaven. May God Bless and keep his family, and may his face shine upon them and grant them peace!

Michael Dircksen Mesa, AZ Saturday, February 22, 2025 Dave's family, so very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I loved working with him at the weather office in Sioux Falls. Enjoyed his great sense of humor and honesty. God's peace and strength to help you through your grieving journey. Mike Dircksen

Joe and Shari Kosel Lead, SD Friday, February 21, 2025 We are so very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. And we are so very lucky to have known Dave. We love this family and we send all of our warmest feelings to Karol, Matt, Nikki, Suzy, and all of the rest of his loved ones. We will always think of him with a smile and every time we have the perfect weather.

Louise and Aimee Omaha, NE Friday, February 21, 2025 Karol and Suzy, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I wish I could have spent time with your dad talking about the weather! I loved hearing about his charts, etc. I am a huge weather nerd! Love you both very much! ❤️

Sharon Martens Fremont, NE Friday, February 21, 2025 Karol and Family,
Sending sincerest thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time. Larry and I met Dave through amateur radio and being local weather observers probably 30 years ago.
He was always a great friend and as busy as he was always had time for everyone, even to putting on that red suit and visiting with the little ones in December.
He was quite the story teller and writer and his favorite subject was his wonderful family and how proud he was of each and every one of you. Cherish all your wonderful memories and know he will always be there beside you and in your heart.

73, Dave

Theodore Parsons Sioux Falls, SD Thursday, February 20, 2025 My deepest heartfelt condolences. I went to high school with Matt. Often heard good stories about his dad and family. My dad recently passed away, He went to Wayne State too:). My love, wishes and prayers to you in this very difficult time.

SHARON CARLSON FREMONT, NE Thursday, February 20, 2025 Our deepest sympathies to you, Karol, and your family. We know that Dave was a great person and that he will be missed. Our prayers are with all of you at this time. Sharon/Gary Carlson

Julie Ronning Minneapolis, Thursday, February 20, 2025 I was so sad to hear of Dave's sudden death. I spent so many years in your Sioux Falls home as a babysitter. He was always Mr. Theophilus to me. I don't think I ever called him Dave. I have memories of his quiet manner and keen intellect.
A life well lived.
I am so sorry Karol, Matthew, Niki and Suzie.

Art Zygielbaum Lincoln, NE Thursday, February 20, 2025 Dave added so much to the amateur radio community. He encouraged and educated people about our hobby. He stressed the link between amateur radio, weather observation and the protection of communities from the impact of weather.

He was always available for opinion and recommendation when asked. We will miss his talent and his caring.

Art Zygielbaum, K0AIZ, ARRL Midwest Division Director

Jean Anstine Sioux Falls, SD Thursday, February 20, 2025 Our sympathy and condolences to you, Karol and family; so sorry to hear of Dave’s sudden death. We especially remember our recreational times and our affiliation through Asbury Methodist! Sincerely, Ed and Jean Anstine

Jeff Ball Sioux Falls, SD Thursday, February 20, 2025 Karol and Theophilus family, sorry to hear of the passing of Dave (w0nrw). Dave and I were Ham radio buddies back in Sioux Falls, SD. Dave was a wonderful guy and dedicated radio club member. He was instrumental in training hams in our area to be severe weather spotters for the local NWS. RIP Dave, 73 wd0exr, Jeff Ball.

Don Dickmeyer Omaha, NE Thursday, February 20, 2025 Karol, So sorry to read that Dave has passed away. This comes from your OLD mailman!

Sandy Murphy Norfolk, NE Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Karol and family,
So very sorry to hear about Dave. Please know you are all in my thoughts & prayers. We will miss him so much. A great guy.

Wes Wingett Norfolk, NE Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Karol and family, Karen and I send our thoughts and prayers to you. Karen did not know either of you only through the stories that I told her about the red VW, an excellent football player marrying a fine basketball player, the wedding in Manilla, the joy of seeing the two of you together on the campus of Wayne State College. Dave was a good Nebraska man and he married a fine Iowa woman.

Jim and Cathy Fischer Sparks, NV Wednesday, February 19, 2025 So very sorry to hear of the passing of Dave. Our first introduction to the NWS was in Sioux Falls n the early 1980’s under the watchful eye of Dave who took all the newbies under his wing. Dave and Carol showed us kindness and inclusion into their family during our 5 years in Sioux Falls. Wonderful memories we still cherish today.

Larry AyresCondolences from your 'Old Drling Sioux Falls, SD Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Condolences from your old 'Darling Daisies' coach. So sorry to learn of your loss. Your attendance at all those basketball games while at Robert Frost brought back memories of your family's faithful attendance and support.
Larry

Sherianne Busskohl Elkhorn, NE Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Karol and Family, I was so sorry to learn about the loss of Dave! My hope is that warm and happy memories of Him will eventually replace all the sadness in your 💕 hearts. Sincerely, Sherry

Erin Jansa Minneapolis, MN Wednesday, February 19, 2025 I spent time in the Theophilus home in the 80s and 90s, a teenage friend of Niki’s. I can’t recall Dave uttering nary a word in those days. He quietly claimed his space amid the teen tornado, tracking us out of the corner of his eye, a bemused smirk forming. He sure could weather a storm! My heart is with his family in their sadness.

Kris Madison, WI Wednesday, February 19, 2025 I’m laughing through my tears at this perfect tribute to our beloved Dave. He clearly instilled in his kids his wonderful sense of humor. We all loved him so and will miss him dearly. Much love to sister Karol, Matt, Niki and Suzy and their families.

Eunice Warren Fremont, NE Tuesday, February 18, 2025 So very sorry for your loss, Karol!

Pat Nelson Surprise, AZ Tuesday, February 18, 2025 So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Larry and Pat Snyder Fremont, NE Tuesday, February 18, 2025 Karol ~ We are so sad to hear about Dave’s passing! He was a great person and will be missed! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Don & Betty (Barneke) Dammast NORFOLK, NE Tuesday, February 18, 2025 We were so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I (Betty) was in the Norfolk High Class of 1959 with Dave. He was the "glue"that kind of held the class together in later years keeping class members apprised of reunions, deaths of other classmates, etc. All off you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Steve Schurr Newton, KS Tuesday, February 18, 2025 Sad to hear of Dave's passing. It was my honor and pleasure to serve in the National Weather Service under his capable direction as Nebraska Area Manager. He was truly one of the good guys in our outfit.

Kris Madison, WI Tuesday, February 18, 2025 I’m laughing through my tears at this perfect tribute to our beloved Dave. He clearly instilled in his kids his wonderful sense of humor. We all loved him so and will miss him dearly. Much love to sister Karol, Matt, Niki and Suzy and their families.

Kim Stabbe Fremont, NE Tuesday, February 18, 2025 So sorry for your loss. Dave was so good at helping Karol get up and running for our yoga zoom class. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

Larry & Judi Voecks Custer, SD Monday, February 17, 2025 Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you, a lot of found memories of a long time friend and gentleman.

Raeola Smith FREMONT, NE Monday, February 17, 2025 My deepest sympathy.
So sorry for your loss 🙏

Recorded Funeral Service