David VanPelt Obituary           

March 30, 1955  -  July 20, 2023

David Van Pelt died suddenly but peacefully the morning of July 20, 2023, at his home in Volcano Hawaii. His funeral was held at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Mountain View, Hawaii, July 31, 2023. Inurnment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Rapid City, June 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM.

David was born on March 30, 1955 in Rapid City, South Dakota. During his teens he worked construction in the summers and continued that line of work after graduating from Rapid City Central High School in 1973. He saved his earnings to travel; he wanted to see the world. So as an eighteen year old, he flew to the Hawaiian Island of Kauai where he lived in Kalalau Valley for several years. The Valley was majestic. David loved nature: the spectacular sunsets, the rain forest, the colorful birds, the clear streams rushing down to the ocean. He also loved music and bought a wooden recorder, a flute, and learned to play it quite well. His favorite band was Steely Dan, and music kept him company all his life.

Later David moved to the Volcano Village area on the Big Island of Hawaii where he worked for a construction company. David loved the Big Island and made it his home. He had a taste for adventure; that is what brought him to Hawaii. He savored the sights and sounds of the world around him. He enjoyed visiting the farmer's markets and Volcano National Park, nearby. David loved trees and birds. He thought seeing a hawk was a good omen.

David lived a happy life. We could all aspire to find the beauty and joy in the simple things as David did. His Mom and other family members, as well as Volcano and Rapid City High School friends will miss seeing his happy face and visiting with him. Aloha David!

Left to cherish David's memory are: his beloved mother, June Van Pelt; his brothers Dan Van Pelt, Jim (Nid Noy) Van Pelt; his sister Susan (John) Wagner, and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Van Pelt.

Published by Rapid City Journal from Jun. 17 to Jun. 18, 2024.

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