David D. Showers

David Donald Showers, 60, of Waterloo, passed away on May 27th of natural causes.

David was born in Waterloo on August 19, 1964, the son of Steve and Jan Showers. He cherished growing up on Orchard Street, then in rural Waterloo after his parents' divorce, where he helped maintain the family acreage with its four horses, three dogs and numerous cats.

David embraced his German heritage and had been fluent in the German language since high school. He spent two summers as an exchange student in Munich and brought much of the German culture home with him.

David graduated from West High School in 1982. With his tenor saxophone he was a proud member of the Wahawk marching band. He performed in many theatrical productions at West High and with the Waterloo Community Playhouse.

David attended the University of Iowa for two years before pursuing his passion for the culinary arts. He accepted an invitation to train as chef at five-star French restaurant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He loved his work as a chef at restaurants in Baton Rouge, Waterloo, and Fairhope, Alabama.

David had a side business as guest chef for private dinner parties, where he would prepare his signature Cajun and German cuisines. His clients were mainly the Sunnyside Country Club crowd, and he was in high demand. He felt honored to be given control of the kitchens in some of Waterloo's most prominent and historic homes. He was always happy to conduct an informal cooking class as he prepared his dishes.

David's life took a tragic turn in 2001 when he was struck by a car while living in Mobile, Alabama. He was left with severe physical disabilities which required many surgeries during the remainder of his life. Through the hardships, David never lost his sense of humor. He loved to laugh, and nothing made him laugh harder than a Mel Brooks movie or an episode of Monty Python. He also maintained his flair for creativity while continuing to paint and sketch.

David is survived by his sister Suzy (Joel) Willemssen of Fairfax Station, Virginia, his brother Bob (Donna) of Bloomington, Minnesota, nephew Bobby Willemssen, nieces Vanessa and Christina Willemssen, Jenny Showers Baldwin and Audrey Showers.

Preceded in death by parents Steve and Jan.

A family memorial will be held later this summer.