Montezuma - Our father, grandfather, and great grandfather, David W Toews was born to Henry and Anna Wiens Toews on August 15, 1926.   He passed on to his heavenly reward on June 5, 2018 at Bethel Home at the age of 91.  His childhood home was in the Montezuma area.  They were poor, so Dad started working out at a young age, helping to support the family.  He often spoke of those experiences and considered them good times in his life. He attended grade school in the town of Montezuma.

After he was converted, he was baptized by Min. Harry Wenger into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on Oct. 21, 1940.  He spoke of a re-consecration when he was 21.  That experience was very special to him.

Dad was married to Delilah Dirks on June 12, 1949, by Min. David J Koehn.  He fell in love with Mom while working for her Uncle Frank Koehn who were neighbors living just down the road.  Dad was completely devoted to Mom and treated her with kindness and respect in health and sickness.  They enjoyed 54 years of happy marriage, living most of those years on the farmstead west of Montezuma where Mom grew up. Four sons and one daughter were born to them. Mom passed away Dec 29, 2003, leaving Dad very lonely.

Farming and running cattle was Dad's means of making a living.  He was happy while working.  Often while driving on a summer day, he had his arm out of the pickup window singing a song that could be heard a quarter mile away! His real interest, though, was working in the shop. He had many ideas and he loved designing and building with iron. He had the ability to turn concepts into completed projects.  He was very interested in antique engines and things of yesteryear. These interests kept him motivated during his retirement years.  He had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren. They enjoyed his hobbies together with him.

Dad had a great sense of humor. He had many little quotes that held profound meaning.  He spoke them in such a way that it left you pondering the truth of what he had just said. It was important to him to take time off from the busy schedule of life for enjoyment and travel. We enjoyed numerous vacations to Colorado.  We also made many trips to Canada to visit Dad's sisters and their families.

Dad believed in service to others. He served on several building committees, and gave his time and abilities to help out where there was a need.  By clear example and a few words, he taught us the Biblical way of kindness, integrity and generosity. Dad walked faithfully with God. In the more recent years he talked about what it might be like to be in heaven.  We look forward to meeting him there.

He had the wisdom to understand the limits of aging and with grace requested the care of Bethel Home.  He moved to Bethel Home December 15, 2006, and often complimented the wonderful care they gave him.  We as a family also are truly grateful for the love and care given him there.

Those left to share memories are: three sons, Rodney (Glenda), James (Carolyn), and Lyndon (Loretta); one daughter, Sheryl (Jerald) Schmidt; one daughter-in-law Diane (Wilford) Schmidt, 17 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Three sisters; Nettie (Victor) Goossen, Esther Penner, Frances Penner; and one brother, Walter (Ruth).       Preceding him in death are his wife Delilah; one son Gerald, one granddaughter, Gwenna, and two great grandchildren; sisters, Marie, Martha, Ruth, Elizabeth, Susie, and Clara.

Funeral service will be held at Homeland Mennonite Church, Montezuma on Saturday June 9, 2018 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Homeland Mennonite Cemetery, Montezuma. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Friday June 8, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.