David A. Steenrod

David A. Steenrod, 59, of Freeport, passed away while fulfilling a long-time dream of biking from Everett, WA to Freeport, IL, Dave passed away July 29, 2014 in Townsend, MT. Dave was born November 27, 1954 in Freeport, IL. Following graduation from Freeport High School, Dave attended Carthage College where he competed on the Redmen football and swim teams. Upon graduating from college in 1977 he began his teaching career as a Special Education teacher in West Bend, WI until moving back to Freeport in 1980 where he taught until his retirement in 2013. Before returning to Freeport, Dave married his college sweetheart, Ellen Jean Galvin in Sheboygan, WI on June 17, 1978. During his time with the Freeport School District Dave served as a high school classroom teacher and later as the Special Education Department Head. He earned his Master's Degree from Northern Illinois University. A one-time swim coach and long-time football coach with Freeport High School, Dave was also, in large part responsible for "Operation Home Turf Advantage." For the past seven years, Dave managed the Read Park Family Aquatic Center. As an active member of Freeport's community, Dave was involved in numerous local organizations. Dave was a member of Freeport's First Lutheran Church where he served as Church Council President and later its property committee. He was also long-time member of the Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois of which he was a past board member. Recently, board involvement allowed him to be instrumental in the continuous development of Park View. Sports competition and fitness were a large part of Dave's life. He was an avid bicyclist, swimmer and runner and competed in all but one of the Freeport YMCA triathlons. He also participated in several other races in the community and was the number one supporter of his son's athletic endeavors. He was affectionately known as "The Coach." Preceded in death by his parents, Alex H. and Betty N. Steenrod, Dave is survived by his wife Ellen Steenrod and sons Andrew David (Kelli) , Christopher Dean, both of Racine, WI and Daniel Alexander, brothers Steven, Terence (Linda), sister Laurie, grandsons Zack and Evan of Racine, WI, in addition to his "little girl," Briley the dog. Memorial services will be Monday, August 4, 2014 10:30 a.m. at Freeport High School Gymnasium. Visitation will be Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please consider contributions to the Dave Steenrod Memorial Fund to benefit the community. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign the online guestbook and share a memory.