David Fish

David R. Fish, 73 of Belle Plaine, Iowa, passed away on November 7, 2023, at University of Iowa Hospital under the care of Hospice Compassus and the Palliative Care Team.

David was born on October 14, 1950, in Belle Plaine to David R. Fish Sr. and Katheryn (Boyd) Fish. He grew up in Belle Plaine, graduating with the class of 1968. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UNI in 1973 where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

He was an educator and coach in Keota Community Schools for 38 years, retiring in May 2011. He started the girls basketball and softball programs. He also coached boys and girls cross country and girls track. He was a long-time member of the Iowa Girls Coaches Association. He will be remembered fondly by the hundreds of students he taught and coached.

Upon retirement he moved back to Belle Plaine and continued his passion for coaching, politics and community service. He became mayor in 2012, serving 3 terms. David was proud of his hometown and dedicated to making it a better place to live. He was active in St. Michael’s Catholic Church and Knight of Columbus. He currently served on several Benton County committees and boards. A famous quote that David lived by “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” David was a dedicated UNI fan with season tickets to several sports and a member of the Panther Scholarship Club. He was loyal to the Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers. He loved to read in his spare time.

He is survived by his brother, Craig (Donna) Fish; nephews, Ryan (Abby) and son, Riley; and Blake (Becca) and son, Parker. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother in infancy.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 13, 2023, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Belle Plaine. Service will also be livestreamed through the funeral service Facebook page. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine.

Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Sunday, November 12th at Hrabak Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to www.neuhausfuneralservice.com