David Matthew Schiefelbein

Our beloved husband, father, brother, son, uncle, and best friend passed away peacefully on October 25, 2013 at the age of 43, after a very courageous battle with Cancer.

David was born in Prosser, WA to Arnold Schiefelbein and Wilma Tabor. He spent his early years in Prosser and Nebraska and finally came to the Tri-Cities to live with his brother Larry in 1985.

David met Marie Cozad that fall at the Columbia Basin Racket Club in Richland. They became best friends and spent many hours at the club playing walleyball, swimming and sitting in the hot tub together. David and Marie married on July 23, 1988 and began their life journey together. He served our country in the United States Army from 1988 to 1993 as a member of the 10th Mountain Division at Ft. Drum, NY, and at the Pentagon during Operation Desert Storm as an Army Intelligence Analyst. He also served overseas in Korea.

After completing his military duties David and Marie came home to the Tri-Cities and settled in Pasco. He began working for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway that year and would continue to be employed by them until his death.

In July of 2003, just 18 days before their 15th wedding anniversary, David and Marie welcomed the joy of their lives into the world. Matthew was the child they thought they would never have, and the love he brought into their lives was almost more than two people could hope for. David was a wonderful father to his son and the best husband any woman could ask for. Marie has promised to continue raising Matthew to be the strong, incredible man that his daddy was.

David was a gentle giant of a man who touched so many lives with his loving ways. He leaves behind his wife of 25 years, Marie; his son Matthew; Mother Wilma Tabor; Father Arnold Schiefelbein; brothers Larry Laura, Steve Julie, Arnold Jr.; Sister Denise; Sister-in-law Marlene Ocker Paul; nephews Austin Schiefelbein, Casey, and Colin Ocker; Nieces Stacy Schiefelbein-Conger, and Sheryl Schiefelbein; Mother-in law Jeanne Cozad, and of course his mowing buddy and Father-in-law Jim Cozad.
All who knew and loved David are invited to attend a graveside memorial service on Sunday, October 27th at 12:00 noon at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland.

In lieu of flowers, an account has been set up under David's name at Hapo Community Credit Union 1-800-284-4276 to help with his son's education.