MILFORD — David A. “Dave” Langel, 63, of Milford, a longtime military veteran, hardworking provider and devoted family man, died Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the VA Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 15, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 14, at the funeral home. A private burial will take place at Merle Hay Memorial Cemetery in Glidden.
Dave was born April 16, 1963, in Marengo, Iowa, to Merle and Theresa (Veit) Langel. He grew up in the Carroll area and graduated from Kuemper Catholic School in 1981.
After high school, Dave continued his education at DMACC in Des Moines before answering the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and later continued his military career with the Army National Guard.
His military service ultimately spanned 26 years and took him to numerous locations, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and service that remained an important part of his life.
Following his retirement from the military, Dave continued working hard to support his family, holding positions with Rosenboom, Crystal Tips, Stylecraft and Hy-Vee.
Dave married Laurie Brus on June 1, 1985. Their marriage spanned more than four decades, and together they raised a family that remained at the center of Dave’s life.
Time with loved ones meant more to him than almost anything else, and family members will remember a dependable husband, father and grandfather who worked hard and remained loyal to the people he cared about.
Dave was a member of the Milford American Legion and enjoyed following sports, particularly the Iowa State Cyclones and Chicago Bears.
Away from work, he could often be found woodworking, camping, playing cards, riding his Harley-Davidson or settling in with a good book. Stephen King was among his favorite authors.
Those carrying on Dave’s memory include his wife, Laurie Langel of Milford; daughters Nicole (Brandon) Dennis of Des Moines and Taylor Langel of Brookings, South Dakota; grandson Oliver Dennis; brothers Keith (Lynell) Langel of Milford and Paul (Kelli) Soyer of Des Moines; numerous stepbrothers and stepsisters; and many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Theresa Langel; stepfather Albert Soyer; grandmother Evelyn Langel; son Joseph Langel; and several aunts and uncles.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
If you would like an obituary, remembrance or tribute story published in NIT, please email the details to NORTHIOWATODAY@GMAIL.COM. This is a free service.