John David Steinmeyer was born June 12, 1936, in Ottumwa, IA, to Charles Harold and Mary Jeannette Steinmeyer. He graduated from high school there in 1954, then served in the US Army for two years. He went on to earn a degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State University in Ames, IA, in 1961. 

He married Gwendolyn Nelson in 1962, and the couple lived in Chicago until 1964, when they moved to Anoka. There he worked for Control Data Corp. and Medtronic, designing computers and heart pacemakers.

Most importantly, he became a father to his son, Daniel Charles, in 1977 in the early 2000’s he became an adoptive grandpa to Amber, Benjamin, Shannon, and Melissa Craven after their biological grandparents had all passed away. Then, after his son married Patricia, he also became a grandpa to another Benjamin and his brother Gabriel.

Beyond his career, Dave had wide-ranging interests. He became a pilot and flew to Iowa and Colorado, as well as around Minnesota. He was also a photographer, did some farming and gardening, and was an artist and musician — he had played clarinet since high school, and later took up saxophone and guitar.

When Dave reached retirement age, he took up violin making, crafting 12 violins and one viola, and learning to play them. He also loved listening to orchestras play classical and jazz music. A skilled carpenter, he built birdhouses, small tables, bookcases, a picnic table with benches, and a deck. He even built a complete stereo system — with a record player, radio, and cassette player — with storage for his large collection of 78 and 33 records. He also built a house in Ely, MN, where he spent many summer weeks and long weekends fishing, canoeing, and vacationing with family and friends, before selling it after his son moved to California.

After receiving a Parkinson's diagnosis, Dave remained active for as long as he could — still driving, exercising at a fitness center three times a week, working in his workshop, flying to California to visit his son, and enjoying good times with family, adopted family, and friends. In his last year, he was no longer able to stand and was confined to his chair, wheelchair, and bed, but was cared for by many wonderful caregivers who allowed him to remain at home, where he wanted to be.

Just one week before his death, Dave was able to celebrate his 90th birthday at home with family from California and Minnesota, marking the happy occasion with a chicken dinner and chocolate cake. He died peacefully at home, and his soul now lives with his Savior and God — and we'll meet again because of faith in Jesus Christ.

Memorial Services Saturday July 11, 2026 at 11 am at First Baptist Church of Anoka, 1235 Park Street, Anoka. Visitation one hour prior to services. A luncheon will immediately follow the services at the church. Private interment Forest Hill Cemetery, Anoka.