David Dennis Dreiling, Phillipsburg
June 9, 1949 - September 22, 2023
David Dennis Dreiling was born on June 9, 1949, in Berthoud, Colorado, to Michael and Pauline (Hepp) Dreiling. After battling illness, he passed away peacefully at his home in Phillipsburg, Kansas on September 22, 2023.
Dave attended school in Brighton, Colorado where he earned his high school diploma in 1967.
On April 18, 1969, Dave was united in marriage to Debra Ann Greenrod and the couple celebrated 50 years of marriage together. To this union, two daughters were born, Tracie Ann and Amy Beth.
Dave worked as a truck driver, farmer, and realtor in Colorado before moving to Smith Center, Kansas to begin a new career as a motel owner. He and Debra purchased the Modern Aire Motel in 1984. In 1992, they increased their ownership when they bought and rebuilt The Cottonwood Inn in Phillipsburg, Kansas. Dave always enjoyed visiting with the guests and listening to their travel stories. Dave retired from the motel business in 2018 when the motel was sold.
For as long as anyone can remember, Dave loved hunting and fishing. On his days off of work, he could often be found in a goose pit, walking a field looking for pheasants, or sitting in a boat with a fishing pole in his hand. Dave was the best bird scout around. He spent many hours and miles driving around the countryside looking for birds, to share a scouting report. He enjoyed parking near the hunting spots and using his “Nebraska Fish Finders” to keep an eye on the hunters. A favorite summer pastime was towing the grandkids behind the boat. He took great pleasure in hearing their laughs and screams as they tried their best to hold onto the tube as it was whipping across the wake.
Another joy of Dave’s was watching his grandchildren in all of their varied activities. He could always be found at a music concert, ball games of various sports, school or community play, or watching a parade for that single float. If any one of them were involved, he was there as a proud fan and grandpa!
Dave was a good-hearted man who worked hard, enjoyed life, and cherished his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but his memory will love on in our hearts and minds.
Dave is preceded in death by his wife Debra Ann Dreiling, parents Michael and Pauline Dreiling, and brothers Jerry and James Dreiling.
Survivors include his daughters Tracie Ford and husband Kelly of Phillipsburg, Kansas, and Amy Dreiling and significant other Adam Huenergarde of Plainville, Kansas, sisters Sandi Medina, Mary Kay (Larry) Eversman, brother Michael Dreiling, five grandchildren: Mickalee McCartney, Abagail McCartney, Jordan Ford, Joel Ford, and Jeremy Ford, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the First Christian Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor LeRoy Herder officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Services Inc. or the First Christian Church.