David Wharff died October 8, 2026, in West Des Moines, Iowa. David was born on December 12, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, the only son of Opal and W. Harold Wharff. David grew up in Colfax, Iowa, married the love of his life, Marianne, in 1964, and they raised their two children on a beautiful acreage outside of Colfax.

David graduated from Colfax High School in 1953 and earned a BA from Missouri Valley College and a master's degree from Iowa State University. David believed strongly in community service. In his early years, he served as an Assistant Scoutmaster and Explorer Post Advisor for the Boy Scouts. Later, he was active in the Masonic Lodge, Colfax Jaycees, and the Colfax Historical Society, and he served on the Colfax and Colfax-Mingo school boards. For many years, he was a member and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church and later joined Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colfax.

David was especially proud of his military service. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960, retired from the Army Reserve in 1981, was a member of the American Legion, and was a charter member of the Colfax AMVETS. He proudly wore his Army Veteran hat wherever he went.

Following David's retirement from Job Service of Iowa in 1996, after helping thousands of Iowans train and find employment, he developed an active retirement. He followed his model train passion and worked at Trainland USA outside of Colfax for a number of years. Soon after he retired, he learned about a storytelling class being held in Colfax. A natural speaker, he launched his professional storytelling career through this class. He traveled around central Iowa schools and clubs spinning yarns and was a longtime member of the Two Rivers Story Spinners. He volunteered at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge until 2012 and entertained many people, young and old alike, with his stories.

David was a passionate family man, supporting his children's and grandchildren's activities at every opportunity. Along with Marianne, he made it a priority to be there for all the important milestones, and they were a tremendous support to their children in times of need.

David is survived by his daughter, Maria Cameron, and son-in-law, Bruce; his son, Michael Wharff, and daughter-in-law, Melissa; and nine of the "finest grandchildren a man could ask for": Joe and Jack Clarke; Matthew, Marianna, Nicholas, and Ellie Wharff; and Rory, Gibson, and Carly Cameron. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Marianne, who died just two weeks earlier; his parents, Opal and W. Harold Wharff; his stepfather, Ray Owens; and his daughter-in-law, Debbie Mancini Wharff.

David's family will greet friends for visitation on Monday, October 19, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colfax. A funeral mass at the church will follow the visitation, starting at 10:00 a.m. Following David's funeral mass, David and Marianne will be laid to rest together at Colfax Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Colfax Historical Society.

And a note from David: As I write my obituary, I wish all my friends a fond farewell. I know I will miss our laughs and sharing our opinions. But keep in mind, if you have faith, you know we will meet again in our Father's house.