David Aldag
July 8, 1932 ~ September 5, 2020
DAVID ALDAG
Passed away September 5, 2020 in Wichita, KS at age 88.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Hazeldell Aldag; brothers, John, Bob; and sister, Maridell White.
Dave and Ruth Ann (nee Barnhart) shared 66 years of life together.
Dave earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Univ of Missouri, a Masters Degree from Purdue/IU and a Professional Engineer license. Dave served stateside in the Army during the Korean War. After the war, he began his life-long career with Panhandle Eastern Pipeline as an engineering troubleshooter. The job took the family to multiple locations in Kansas, Indiana and Oklahoma. Dave built many cherished friendships along the way.
Dave will always be remembered for his love of flying. He learned to fly when he was 40 yrs old and owned several airplanes along the way. In the mid 1970’s, he became the Grumman Aircraft dealer for the Midwest United States. He built two experimental airplanes and helped many others with their projects. Dave and Ann flew across the USA from NC to AK. International trips included Hawaii, Australia, Virgin Islands, Germany and France to visit WWII historic sites. He enjoyed target shooting and deep sea fishing.
Dave was actively involved in the Seekers Sunday School class at Hillside Christian Church.
Survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Ann; daughters, Patty Cowan (Mike) of Wichita and Roberta Lentz (Bruce) of St.Joseph, MI; son, Tom (Lori) of Wichita; cherished grandchildren, Tessa Walcher (Conrad) of OKC, Kathryn Cowan & Claire Cowan of KC, Tiffany Williams (Luke) of Paso Robles, CA, Lilith Lentz & Kiera Lentz of Grand Rapids, MI., Levi Aldag of KC; adored great-grandchildren, Channing sister, Kate Hoard of KC.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private memorial service is being held. It can be viewed at www.dlwichita.com at 10:00 am, Saturday, September 12, 2020.
Please honor Dave for his love of stewardship by making memorial contributions to: Center for Hope (homeless), 400 N. Emporia Ave, Wichita, KS 67202; Children's Advocacy (child abuse), 1211 S Emporia St, Wichita, KS 67211.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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Dave was a proud son and a Mechanical Engineering graduate of Old Mizzou. He was active in both the Engineers’ Club and St. Pat’s Board. Rest in peace. KOTBS.
Rest David, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Army, Korean War.
My condolences to Dave’s family… what a truly lovely man he was. I know him from LifeVentures, it was a joy to have him in attendance and helping for the good of the group. He was always enjoyable to talk with! I’m sorry for your loss. Stacy Jansson
What an awesome service for such a good and loving man. He was loved and appreciated by many, many friends and family and he will be missed especially by Hillside Christian Church members. Rest in peace Dave. Judy Briggs
Dear Ann, Ron and I participated in Dave’s memorial service online. We thank Roberta for sending us the email yesterday, sharing of Dave’s departure and allowing us to be participants in the service. We remember Dave for his kindness, intelligence, thoughtfulness, enthusiasm for life, his wit, his humor. His love for you was always evident. The two of you were models for all of us. You became friends with Marty Rossier, my mother, when she moved from Germany to Kansas City. I know Mom thought highly of you. I remain ever so grateful to Dave and to you for the cards you sent Mom during her last few weeks of life. These were humorous cards that made Mom laugh. She absolutely loved the cards you and Dave sent her. She laughed, and she needed to laugh. I have kept those cards . Ann, you reached out to me when I left Olathe for Wiesbaden, Germany. You and Dave helped me with that transition. Thank you. I am pleased that Dave made it to Normandy a few years ago and am honored that I played a role in getting him a guide that met him at the airport in Paris and arranged for that trip. Ann, Ron and I admire the two of you. With love, Marcia & Ron
There’s a great story that Tom intended to share but overlooked that I want to pass along because it is so impressive. He wrote earlier: In the late 1980’s, Lori and I had just purchased our first home in Wichita. We regularly worked on home improvement projects, and Dave was often recruited from Olathe to help. After one particular project, he took us to lunch in a small diner at 21st and Woodlawn. While we were eating, a complete stranger stopped by the table and said to dad “when you smile, this whole place lights up”. That happened over 30 years ago and it stuck with me. He was always looking for the best in people, and it showed in his expression.
My condolences to Ann and family. I worked with Dave at PEC for almost 10 years. Dave was a very good boss, as he always found time to coach all of us. Dave taught us to always put our best foot forward, even under adverse conditions. He will be sorely missed. More recently, Dave gave me advice regarding my Stage 4 Prostate Cancer (same as his BTW), which I found invaluable.
Sorry for late post. No one emailed or called. I just learned of Dave’s passing today. Sorry for your loss. Sincerely, John Haug Midland, TX 405 924 8879M