David L. Hotchkiss

David L. Hotchkiss, 81, of Eldridge, passed away Monday, May 19, 2025 at his home. Per his request cremation will be accorded. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Davenport. Burial will be in Sugar Creek Cemetery, Preston, IA. Visitation will be from 9:30 am to time of services at the church. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or American Cancer Society.

David Lee Hotchkiss was born July 5, 1943 in Moline, to Harold and Gwendolyn (Stratman) Hotchkiss. Following graduation from Moline High School in 1961, he worked as a draftsman for John Deere. He enlisted in the US Army in 1964 where he served in Turkey, Okinawa and Vietnam as a crypto repairman. Skills gained during his service lead to a 32 year career with National Cash Register company as a computer repairman.

He was united in marriage to Donna Burken on June 26, 1971 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Sugar Creek, IA. Together, they settled just outside of Eldridge, where they shared over 50 wonderful years in the home they built together.

David was a man of many interests. He loved traveling with Donna in their RV, taking road trips, working with his hands—whether fixing or building—planting and felling trees, riding motorcycles, boating, and making the occasional visit to a casino. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife Donna; children Amy Ellis of St. Charles, IL, Sarah (Scott) Rabenold of Pasadena, CA, Daniel (Erika) Hotchkiss of Lakeville, MN; grandchildren Tyler and Emma Ellis, Spencer, Sam, Senait, and Suri Rabenold, Nathan and Elena Hotchkiss; brothers Ron Hotchkiss of Milan, IL, and Steve (Kathy) Hotchkiss of Moline, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Gail Hotchkiss.

Online remembrances may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.