David Dave OLeary, 56, of Stickney, SD flew his first heavenly flight to heaven on May 13, 2009. Dave passed away at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by his fianc Lynda, family and friends.

A celebration of his generous life will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell, SD. on May 16, 2009 at 10:00 AM with Father Larry Regynski officiating. Dave will be cremated with his ashes to be flown over the Red Mountain at Mesa, AZ, by his pilot friends and Lynda.

David Mark OLeary was born on July 22, 1952 to Mark OLeary, Sr. and Arlene (LeBeau) OLeary at Mobridge, SD. He grew up on the family ranch south of Timber Lake with his parents and six siblings. He finished high school at Timber Lake and one year of college at Black Hills State University. He ranched with his brothers. He married Nancy Kougl and had three children. He left ranching in 1990 to pursue his love of flying. He was a crop sprayer in the Miller area until he moved to Stickney and opened his own aerial spraying service, Daves Aerial Spraying in 1998. It was here where he met his love, Lynda, who worked beside him and enjoyed his passion for flying, gardening, entertaining friends and customers with good food, and the pleasure of a beautiful sunset side by side.

David believed in supporting the small towns, from buying groceries to even postage stamps locally. He was a great benefactor of the local communities, supporting the sports and school events with his generous contributions to their needs.

David spent his winters in Mesa, AZ, and was a realtor with Farnsworth Reality for the past 7 years. This winter Lynda joined him by becoming a licensed realtor. He enjoyed people and made friends easily.

Dave had many amazing accomplishments throughout life. He had an Airline Transport Pilot Rating, flew air ambulance for Indian Health Services for 5 years, also was an aviation flight instructor in Eagle Butte and other areas. He was also a member of the NRA.

Grateful are his fianc of Stickney, SD, Lynda Nordstrom. His children: major Brian (Callie) OLeary of Italy, Melissa OLeary of Timber Lake, SD; and Steven (Amy) OLeary of Hot Springs, SD and the mother of his children, Nancy Kougl. He is also survived by his mother Arlene OLeary of Timber Lake, siblings; Dennis OLeary, Ramona (Gary) Simon, and Tim (Marcia) OLeary, all of Timber Lake. Carmen OLeary, Mark OLeary, and Margaret OLeary, all of Eagle Butte, SD. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren. He had a special friend of 24 years, who stuck closer than a brother, Dan Kubal of Loveland, TX. Also, Lyndas children; Ryan, Natalie, Allissa, Ashleigh, and Dayton. Also special granddaughters Burkleigh and Alexa; who loved to chase rabbits in his old pickup truck down his runway.

He was preceded in death by his father, Mark OLeary, Sr., nephews Jameson Tee OLeary, Corporal Tanner OLeary, and a special aunt, Margaret OLeary.