David Lester Roesener

David Lester Roesener, 68, of Glendale, California, passed away on the evening of Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri, at Cox South Hospital.

Dave was born on April 2, 1957, in Glendale, California, to David and Maureen Roesener. He was the eldest of five siblings: Rusty, Laura, Mark, and Eileen. Over the years, his family moved from Glendale to Connecticut, and eventually to Georgetown, Massachusetts. While living in Georgetown, Dave attended and graduated from Whittier Vo-Tech Trade School with the Class of 1975. He went on to earn HVAC certification and later opened his own business, Dave’s Refrigeration. Even after retiring, Dave—never one to sit still—found purpose working at Home Depot, always lending a helping hand and sharing a smile.

After graduating high school, Dave, ever the adventurer, boarded a bus to Yellowstone with just his guitar, what he could carry, and the cash in his pocket. While there, he worked with the park and forestry team, helping to preserve the park’s natural beauty. In his free time, he found joy in strumming his guitar in quiet corners of the park, watching thunderstorms roll in—soaking in the wonder of nature.

In 1977, life led Dave back to the East Coast, where fate had something extraordinary in store. That year, while working a maintenance job, he met Pamela Chapin—the woman who would become the love of his life. Their bond began as friendship, deepening quickly, especially after Dave met and fell head over heels for Pam’s daughter, Julie. Though they'd known each other for a few years, it wasn’t until 1979 that they officially became a couple. They moved in together and began building a life and family in Amesbury, Massachusetts. On October 16, 1982, Dave and Pam made it official with a small, intimate wedding—a celebration of a love that would last a lifetime. Their commitment endured for 43 beautiful years, and beyond.

In 1984, with four kids in tow, the family made the bold decision to pack up and move from Amesbury to Preston, Missouri, after visiting family in the area. Dave fell in love with the quiet, slow-paced lifestyle and the wide-open spaces of the country. There, he and Pam put down roots for the next 37 years, raising and in 1987 adding another son to their family to complete their family.

Dave had many passions and interests. He was a true jack of all trades, always eager to learn something new. He was the guy you called when something needed fixing—because chances were, he had already figured it out. A hands-on problem solver, Dave loved to tinker and troubleshoot, often learning through trial and error. His curiosity and persistence made him a master of many skills, and he never stopped adding to that list.

He was also a natural entertainer. Whether it was cracking jokes, pulling silly antics, or playing guitar to a room full of family and friends, Dave had a way of bringing people together. His laugh was infectious, and his energy lit up every space he entered. He was a people person—hosting bonfires, throwing together last-minute barbecues, or striking up conversations with complete strangers (who rarely stayed strangers for long).

But Dave’s greatest pride and joy was always his family. He poured himself into fatherhood with love, intention, and a whole lot of hands-on wisdom. He coached Little League, served as a Boy Scout leader, restored old cars with his kids, and taught countless life lessons through camping trips, family road trips, and quiet moments in the garage. He modeled the values of hard work, kindness, resilience, and loyalty. His legacy lives on in the lives and hearts of his children and grandchildren—each shaped by his guidance, his humor, and his unconditional love.

One shining example of Dave's devotion to his family was when he and Pam made the decision in 2021 to leave their longtime home in Preston and move to Springfield, Missouri—to be closer to their children and grandchildren. For Dave, nothing was more important than being near the people he loved most.

David’s truest legacy is not found only in the work he did or the places he traveled, but in the lives he touched—through compassion, humor, a little bit of goofiness, and a steadfast belief in doing the right thing, even when no one was watching. He lived a big life, full of color, connection, and purpose. He loved deeply, laughed often, and gave everything he had to those around him.

He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved by all who had the honor of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father, David Russell Roesener and mother, Maureen Anne (Roesener) Valentine.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela (Chapin) Roesener; his children, Julie, David, Alan and his wife Venecia, Brian and his wife Jessica, and Matt and his wife Holly; his grandchildren Paige and her husband Cole, Makayla, Emily, Christopher, Makenzie, Elly, Jane, and Parker; his great grandchildren, Tatum and Trace; and his siblings, Rusty, Laura, Mark, and Eileen.

David’s celebration of life will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home: 500 E. Walnut Street, Springfield, Missouri.

Permanent online condolences, stories, and photos may be shared a www.hhlohmeyer.com