David James Roemer was born on August 22, 1935, in Des Moines, Iowa, leaving behind a life he often called “wonderful” and “lucky” and that many others described as “filled with kindness and generosity.” 

He died peacefully at his home in the Brookside neighborhood of Kansas City, with his wife, Carole, at his side following a diagnosis of glioblastoma six weeks earlier. 

The youngest child and second son of Dallas and Mabel Roemer, two Iowa natives, he graduated from Des Moines Technical High School and went to work at Midwest Equipment Company, a burgeoning construction-supply sales group. In his mid-thirties, David bought out its owner, Fred Reinacher, and went on to launch several other businesses reaching across Iowa and Nebraska.

He and Carole married in their early twenties. They began their family two years later, expanding a circle of lively, caring friends. Dave also held deep bonds from his service in the National Guard, and in his forty years building businesses, he made lifelong friends they both cherished. 

His curiosity ran deep, and his open, friendly nature was unflappable. He was quick with a smile, ready with a helping hand and always looking for common ground. He was built to be almost anyone’s friend. 

Throughout his career and his retirement, Dave was an active volunteer, committed to helping those less fortunate. He served on the board of YMCA Boys’ Home in Des Moines for several years and mentored dozens of young men and women looking to launch businesses of their own. He also served as a deacon at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines and at Second Presbyterian Church in Kansas City.

He loved hanging out with the guys, doing whatever, and enjoyed the camaraderie of social clubs, including breakfast and lunch groups. Several years ago, he was a founding member of the “Good Guys,” a warm-hearted circle of a dozen men who continue to meet for lunch every Tuesday. 

Spending an afternoon on a river with Dave with about as good a day as anyone could have. He loved boating, sailing and especially canoeing. He was passionate about hunting and fishing, too, known for befriending farmers across Iowa and Missouri with reliable spots for quail and pheasants. He was also an accomplished downhill skier with beautiful, graceful style, He lead family and friends on countless ski trips. 

In his final days, he was visited by close friends and family and paid a final visit to the Kansas City Hospice House, which he’d visited weekly with Max, his beloved black Whoodle. Dave was masterful at training dogs, and Max and Dave were kindred spirits. They did regular rounds at Kansas City VA Hospital as part of the city’s Pet Partners program. 

Dave is survived by Carole, his sons Dan and Jon, his daughter Mindy, her husband Sean, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, January 4, 2025, Second Presbyterian Church, 318 E. 55th Street, Kansas City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Second Presbyterian Church and Gift of Life in Overland Park.