Date Pending Celebration of Life Memorial Service is being planned for some time in April.
Obituary
Dr. David G. Llewelyn D.D.S., age 77, of West Des Moines died February 1, in Des Moines. David has been a Dentist in West Des Moines in his practice at 701 13th street since 1963. A Memorial service celebrating David's life will be on Saturday, April 14 at 4:00 p.m. at Urbandale United Church of Christ, 3530 70th St., Urbandale, IA. The family will receive friends from 2 - 4 p.m. at the church.
David was born on December 5, 1934, the son of Albert and Hattie Llewelyn of Bloomfield, IA. He graduated from the University of Iowa Dental School in 1960. David and Diane Racine were married in Ames, IA, on June 26, 1960. He spent the next three years as a Navy dentist at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia.
David and Diane moved to West Des Moines in 1963 and he established his dental practice on 7th Street. Two children, David J. and John were born to the family.
David was still an active dentist and saw patients just two days prior to his death. He saw dentistry not only as a job or business, but also as a calling. David was active in the Iowa Dental Association and the American Dental Association throughout his career. He was committed, generous and loving to his patients, family and friends.
His wife Diane preceded him in death on January 25, 1991.
In 1992 he entered into a committed relationship with Paul A. Johnson. On May 31, 2009, David and Rev. Paul Johnson were legally married in a ceremony at United Church of Christ - Congregational in Ames. Paul and David were members of Urbandale UCC but regularly attended the UCC church in Ames where Paul served as Interim Minister for over three years and recently in Grinnell where Paul presently serves as Interim Minister. David was a committed, faithful and active Christian.
David is survived by his two sons and their families: David J. and his husband Jeffrey Morgan of Cambridge, MA, and John and Laurie Llewelyn and their children, Garrett, Jay, and Olivia of Saginaw, MI.
He is also survived by his husband and Paul's family: Paul's daughter Larisa Tong and her husband Hai and their twins, Elliot and Violet of Folsom, CA, and a daughter, Amy and her husband Vince and their children, Elizabeth, Owen, and Lilya of Metamora, IL. Paul's son is Choi Johnson of La Crosse, Wi.
He is remembered and loved by family, patients and many friends who are grateful for sharing his life.
Online condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
For DJ and John from a loving and somewhat absent Uncle. The loss of a father is tough at any time and my prayers are with you.
Posted By: Jim Racine - Brother of his wife Diane on April 14, 2012
Dave & John,
I saw your Dad at a friend's wedding two years ago - your Dad and I recognized each other immediately even though it had been 30+ years. I have very fond memories of your Dad from dental conventions/ meetings. My prayers and thoughts are with your family as I know he will be sorely missed.
Andrea (Heath) Kappelman, daughter of Dr. Jim Heath
Posted By: Andrea (Heath) Kappelman - Friend of the Family on April 8, 2012
Dear Family of Dave,
Blessings to you all. May your memories hold you up and provide tears of joy and many smiles.
Mike and Twila
Posted By: Twila Finkelstein - Friends on April 8, 2012
David and I were classmates at the U. of Iowa Dental School -- class of 1960. Could not help but like this wonderful and always sunny personality. Always had great visits at the various dental functions about everything from past school experiences to the changes in our profession. To you Paul and all of Davids friends there I pass on my sympathy for our loss. However, I for one, am far better for having known him as my classmate, fellow dentist and a very compassionate individual.
Posted By: Dr.D. J. "OCK" Peterson - Dental Classmate on February 18, 2012
The circulation clerks at the WDM library will miss his smiling face. Our condolences to all.
Posted By: Lynne Bell - on February 7, 2012
To Paul,John,D.J., and all of Dave's family,deeply saddened to read of Dave's death. Dave was the kindest and most generous of bosses; I worked 8yrs in his office and it was a pleasure to be there with a great staff. Dave will always be remembered most fondly by me. My sympathy and affection to you Paul, and all the family. Peace and prayers, Shannon Brown
Posted By: Shannon Rae Brown - Friend on February 7, 2012
I was so sad to hear of Dr. Llewelyn's death, he was the best and always made me smile!
As one of my clinical doctor's in the DMACC Dental Hygiene Program he always had a useful tip or suggestion followed by a word of encouragement and praise. His many years of experience made him a great teacher and mentor and he will be greatly missed by so many.
My deepest sympathies,
Posted By: Kelly VanWyk - Former Student on February 6, 2012
To all of Dave’s family, my condolences and prayerful thoughts are with you.
Posted By: Lyle Krewson - Friend of Dave and Paul on February 6, 2012
I was in the first dental hygiene class of '76 at DMACC. He will always be remembered for wearing those Hawaiian printed smocks. I then worked for him from 76-78 in the office on 13th. He always had that awesome personality that just makes you smile. He will be missed. Thinking of you and the family.
Posted By: Jill Johnson - former student and employ on February 4, 2012
Paul,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Dr.Llewelyn has been my dentist since he opened his first office on 13th Street. I was in 7th grade and lived a couple blocks away so I could walk over for my $10 teeth cleaning sessions. My last appointment was on January 19th and we had a nice visit about those early years. He did look tired and I asked him if he was thinking about retirement. Looking at the other tributes, I see he has several other lifetime clients. That speaks for his character. He was a very kind and good man who touched many lives in a very positive way. I always enjoyed his caring and gentle manner and his quick wit and broad knowledge base. Never boring! He will be missed by many! No doubt he will rest in peace.
Posted By: Heather Lindsay - hlindbiker@gmail.com on February 4, 2012
View all of the uploaded images, or upload your own pictures in memory of Dr. David G. Llewelyn to the photo gallery.
To navigate through the photos, click on the left or right arrows on the side of
the preview slider. To enlarge a particular photo, click the photo thumbnail.
Video Gallery
Be the first to upload your own video in memory of Dr. David G. Llewelyn to the video gallery.
Serving families throughout central Iowa and Story County. Serving all families with the Care, Dignity and Respect you deserve. Your local hometown funeral care facility.
