David LeRoy Osheim was born in Story City, Iowa, on Jan. 25, 1940, to Thelma (née Wierson) and Lawrence Osheim. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Petri Lutheran Church. At Luther College he earned degrees in biology and chemistry. After being employed by the Food and Drug Administration in Kansas City, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served at Fort Detrick in Maryland. There he met and married his wife of 49 years, Rosemary (née Dick), and began his family before returning to the Story City area.

After being discharged from the service, David was employed as a biologist by the United States Department of Agriculture for 37 years. He developed diagnostic tools to prevent cruelty to Tennessee Walking Horses, was the first to detect toxins in dairy feed in Michigan, and created strong working relationships with border inspectors in Texas to monitor imported cattle. He was a fellow of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists in which he held several leadership positions.

David’s commitment to his community was manifest in his service to many organizations including the 4-H Club, Habitat for Humanity, Kiwanis Club, Boy Scouts, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and St. Petri Lutheran Church. Always appreciative of the natural world, David enjoyed sailing, and he and Rosemary worked together to restore 35 acres of cropland to native prairie.

David treasured his friends and valued his family above all else.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jon; and his sister, Susan.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary; sons, Peter and Mark; daughter, Amanda; grandchildren, Adam, Abigail, Meghan, Allison and Bethany; and many dear family members and friends whose love and care throughout his life and in his final days gave him joy.

David passed away on July 6, and in his final act of generosity donated his body to the Mayo Medical School. Memorials to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or Israel Family Hospice House. Visitation was July 8, at Soderstrum Funeral Home in Story City, with the funeral on July 9, at St. Petri in Story City.