David (Dave, Dad, Papa) Cogswell was born Nov. 29, 1959, in Friend.
The son of Charles and Gwenda Cogswell, David spent his early years as a part of the Friend community living on their family farm along with his siblings, Randal, Curtis, Linda and Jeffrey. Their lives were filled with many things, but David loved telling stories that their childhood mornings were spent with chores like tending the fields, cows, pigs, and the “dreaded chickens” instead of watching cartoons. In high school, David played football and basketball and ran track. He was proud of being a Friend Bulldog letterman. During this time, he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Deanna.
David and Deanna were married in July 1978 and soon welcomed their first child, Jennifer. David completed his degree in computer science from Southeast Community College, which led his family across the Midwest, where they made many friends and memories. David and Deanna were eventually lured back to Nebraska and welcomed their second child, Allen. After a brief time in Oklahoma, they moved to Gretna, which became their permanent home.
As life progressed, David also found other hobbies, like coed softball and learned to play golf. He discovered a love for musicals. He began coaching Jenny in softball and basketball and teaming up with Allen for golf and bowling events. Both of his children loved and still remember these times fondly. David and Allen won the Ashland member/guest golf tournament and were bowling league champions more than once.
One of David's exceptional qualities was his special way of connecting with people. When you were with him, you felt like you were family because to him, you were. David's connection to his family was his top priority, and he rarely missed an opportunity to show his love and support. He could regularly be found at events for his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cheering them on from the sidelines.
David frequently reminded his family and friends to “be safe, make good choices and let me know when you are home.” We can be sure that he has made good choices, is safe and has made it home.
He will be lovingly remembered and missed by all who knew him. David was preceded in death by his mother, Gwenda Cogswell; brother, Randal Cogswell; and mother and father-in-law, George and Mary Harmdierks. He is survived by his wife, Deanna Cogswell of Gretna; father, Charles Cogswell of Friend; children, Jennifer Fleming of Gretna and Allen and wife Jordan Cogswell of Lawton, Iowa; grandchildren, Phoebe, Sydney, Abram, Lola and Gwenyth; siblings, Curtis and Lisa Cogswell of McCool Junction, Linda and Kent Blender of Benedict and Jeffrey and Amy Cogswell of Gretna; in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and many more family and friends.
Visitation is Friday, Sept. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Roeder Mortuary's Gretna Chapel. The memorial service is Saturday, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. at the Gretna United Methodist Church. Condolences may be left for the family online at https://roedermortuary.com.
