David Erven Lionberger, 88, passed away peacefully at Tabitha Journey House in Lincoln on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 with family by his side. He was born January 24, 1935 to Fred Erven and Ruby Ruth Lionberger in Lincoln, Nebraska.

David attended Lincoln Northeast High School where he met his future wife, Marjorie Kohl. They graduated in the Class of 1953. He and Marjorie married on February 7, 1954, and were married for 69 years until her passing earlier this year. David served in the Naval Reserve 1953-1957. He worked for Pepsi Cola for several years, Goodyear Tire Company for 20 years, and later with his brother at George Lionberger Construction for many years. He later was employed by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles as a driver’s license examiner. After leaving the DMV, he worked for the Nebraska Association of Public Employees as a union liaison until his retirement in 1997. After retirement, he and Marjorie took a well-deserved trip to Switzerland which became one of their favorite memories. He made hundreds of batches of wine over the years which were enjoyed immensely by family and friends. He enjoyed reading, visiting, and telling stories. He loved to hunt and enjoyed the time spent with his sons, grandsons, and good buddies. He raised and trained numerous hunting dogs over the years. He was an avid iris gardener and a member of the Lincoln Iris Society. His hybridized iris named Marjorie Lou is registered with the American Iris Society.

David was a man of strong faith, character and morals. His faith in God carried him through his life and he never wavered from it. Life without Marjorie was too lonely for him and we are grateful his sorrow has ended. We will miss everything about him: his singing, his wise counsel, his stories, his phone calls, his wisdom of the Scripture, the family history only he can recall, and even his compulsive need to worry. He will be remembered for his generosity, and his dedication and love for his family.

He is survived by his six children: daughter Linda Obrecht (Jeff); son Mark (Cindy); son Luke (Pam); daughter Melinda Smith (Bill); son Dan; and daughter Amy Smith (Don). He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his younger brother George, and his younger sister Margaret Kent.

Special thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Journey House. We can never thank you enough for the love and care you gave to our father and our entire family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Journey House, 4615 J Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68510 or Lincoln Iris Society, 103 S. 36th Road, Syracuse, Nebraska 68446-7407.

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