David Allan Schaben
December 20, 1971 – June 3, 2022
Born in Denison, IA. Survived by wife, Amber (Scheffler) Schaben; son Caleb; daughter Samantha; parents, Mike and Jeannie Schaben of Defiance, IA; sister, Sandi (Robert) Pauley; brother, Chris (Liz) Schaben; nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by father-in-law, Randy Scheffler; nephew, Seth Pauley, and grandniece, Seren McCord.
VISITATION: Wednesday, June 15th from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, June 16th at 11am at Dundee Presbyterian Church, 52nd & Underwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Schaben Children’s Education Fund.
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Dave grew up in Defiance, Iowa on his family’s farm. He loved animals and had a knack with the farm cats, especially the one that would sit on his shoulder as he did chores. He loved to operate machinery from an early age, and decided he was going to be a pilot the moment he received a Fisher-Price airport around the age of 4. His Uncle Mel fueled that passion as he got older. Dave received his pilot’s license at the age of 16 in Denison, IA.
Dave played football for IKM and was always a fan of the sport. He graduated from IKM in 1990 and went on to attend Central Missouri State University where he worked for PBS making sure the shows ran in order in the off hours, among other duties. He would often go back home on weekends to help on the farm. (While he enjoyed almost everything about the farm, he would later make it clear to his wife that he would never own pigs again, not even a pet pot-bellied.) He finished his bachelor’s in Aviation at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Dave worked multiple jobs around Eppley Airfield, which is where he met his wife, Amber Scheffler. Apparently, he had a thing for girls fueling aircraft. When they first met, he was dispatching for Suburban Air Freight, as well as working for UPS, and working the line at America West.
He started his pilot career as a flight instructor at Eppley Airfield. Dave’s first position as part of a flight crew in 2001, was in a Metroliner doing casino runs along the East Coast to Atlantic City. After two years, he obtained a position in Omaha flying documents (with two couriers) for the Department of Defense. He married Amber in 2004. He mainly flew the King Air and Beechjets the remainder of his career. Their son Caleb came along in 2010, followed by their daughter Samantha in 2017.
Dave was hard-working, the type of guy you could depend on, whose intentions need not be questioned, yet was also one of the most laid-back persons you would meet. He normally would only get excited about planes, politics, family, Star Wars, or the time he lost enough weight that he could fit into his little brother’s old pants. Dave was an amazing father, beloved Uncle, and a simple Christian who had a knack for making friends with everyone, even those he met on his daily walks with his dogs.
Some may not miss Dave’s love of talk radio (kind of like how he never missed polka music after leaving the farm), but we will miss the man who was a role model to many, who knew how to love without limits, loved to tell Dad jokes, and who was literally one of the best fathers I’ve ever known.
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.” -A.A. Milne
17 Comments
I was surprised and sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. Like many Omaha area pilots, I met Dave while flight training..May he rest in peace.
I am sincerely so saddened to hear of Dave’s passing . Too young of a man and husband and father and son. May Ms. Amber and son and daughter find peace and solace under God’s winged angels and believe you will see him again in glory. It’s because of Dave I got my wings as a pilot and I will never forget him. God bless you Dave and God bless his family.
We are lifting you all up in prayer Amber, Caleb and Samantha. Dave’s love for you all is still with you in your hearts, smiles, tears, and laughter. Hold on tight to each other.
Amber, Caleb and Samantha I am deeply sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. The BTAdventures always had Dave stories. What a man what a husband what a father
He will truly be missed.
Sending prayers to Dave’s family. I met Dave at Suburban Air some 20+ years ago…great guy and one hell of a pilot! He will be missed. May the peace God comfort you in these difficult times.
So sorry for the loss of such a kind soul.
I and my wife will be praying over your family
Sorry to learn the news. I worked with Dave while at America West. He loved the working around planes. He would stop by once in awhile to say hello. Great guy with a kind approach. He was always wanting to learn new things. I remember the first time I showed him hour to ride brakes on our Airbus 320’s. Thoughts and prayers to your family and friends
Dave was always like the fun uncle that our girls loved to play with. He was silly, sweet, kind, had the patience of a saint, and was generally just an ocean of calm energy. He will be dearly missed by many!
I am sorry for loss
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or ever eagle flew — And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod The high un-trespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
The Farwell’s
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or ever eagle flew — And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod The high un-trespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
Sorry for your loss.
The Farwell’s
I’m so sorry for your loss, words can’t express how my heart aches for your family. But honestly, reading about Dave brought a smile to my face. What a wonderful man he was, and the impact on the lives of those around him is readily evident. Though the season of having him in your lives was all too short, I think you were truly blessed by the love, compassion, humor, and hope that he brought to this world. ,
I knew Dave from when we were kids at family gatherings. Dave was what every Iowa farm kid was suppose to be – intelligent, hard working, healthy, clean, strong, respectful and quick with a smile. What particularly struck me about Dave was that he was always intently, quietly observing everyone and everything around him with his big eyes. I remember wishing I could know what he was seeing. I was always impressed with his quiet confidence, and how kind he was, especially to animals. Dave was big, strong and athletic, even as a kid, but he never tried to bully, intimidate or push others around to get his way, unless it came to football. Dave left a lasting impression on me and his passing brings unbroken sorrow. However, I feel fortunate that I got to meet him, Sandy, Chris and their parents when I was a child. It is my loss that I never got to meet his adult family. Thank you for letting me share this and to grieve for a moment with you. May Dave rest in peace.
Great Man! Great Friend & Fellow UNO / Sky Harbor Pilot with tons of shared smiles! Condolences, Thoughts & Prayers sent your direction. Smooth Air & Forever Clear Calm Skys! Peace!
Very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. We worked together at Jet Linx and I always enjoyed flying with him. He was a great Pilot, a great man, and will be sorely missed. Condolences to the family.
“To fly West, my friend, is a flight we all must take for a final check”
– Author unknown
My condolences to Amber, Caleb and Samantha. Dave was a good man I am proud to say I knew and maybe in some small way one who contributed something to his successful professional career. You are gone way too soon Dave. And that just isn’t fair.
My deepest sympathies for all of you in this difficult time. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Dave while he was at Jet Linx. Just a wonderful guy through and through, always caring, and always a joy to be around.
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