David E. Van Alst, Jr., 56, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2026 at his home in Coralville.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to National Autism Association and sent to the family at 2951-268th St. Stockport, Iowa 52651. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield, is assisting the family.
Davie was born August 22, 1969 in Anoka, Minnesota, the son of David, Sr. and Doris (Lindner) Van Alst.
At the age of three, Davie was the first pre-school student admitted to the Iowa Braille & Sight Saving School, where he graduated in 1988. After being moved to different facilities, he found his home at the REM Group Home in Washington and later in Coralville. While in Coralville, his group would travel to Hiawatha daily for day care. This was what Davie referred to as “going to work”. At day care he would do various jobs, including making coffee packets for the different REM homes.
Davie enjoyed Legos, magnets, and calculators; always needed two of each. He was deeply loved by his family.
Survivors include his mother, Doris Van Alst of Stockport; sisters, Kimberly (Dave) Meredith of Manchester, Iowa, and Melody Nelson of Stockport; nieces and nephews, Wendy, Sam, Aaron, Amy and Alex; and his friends at REM.
He was preceded in death by his father, David; and nephew, Nick Owens.
Online condolences may be made to Davie’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.
