David William Danklef

David William Danklef, 64, of Jefferson City, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, November 8, 2020, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, Mo. He was born March 11, 1956 in Jefferson City, Mo., son of the late John and Carolyn (Bunch) Danklef. On July 31, 1982, at Westview Baptist Church, Jefferson City, Mo., he was united in marriage to Janet Elaine (Ford) Danklef, who survives of the home. David was a 1974 graduate of Jefferson City High School, in Jefferson City, Mo. During high school, he began working in retail with a part-time job at Daisy Delight. This was to be the beginning of a 50-year successful and rewarding career in the retail industry. David was gifted with a tremendous work ethic, love of interacting with people, ability to problem solve and to provide excellent customer service. He would do any task given to him; from stocking shelves, cashier, ordering inventory to store management. He was employed by several Mid-Missouri retail businesses: Dixons, Save-A-Lot (including management at Save-A-Lot in Trenton, Mo. for several years), and House of Bargains for 14 years. He joined Riley Toyota in 2000 as Assistant Manager of the body shop. In 2010 he was offered a store management position with Auto Body Color, Lohman, Mo., which he held until his death. David was a faithful longtime member of Charity Missionary Baptist Church, Columbia, Mo. where he served as a Trustee, Adult Sunday School teacher and song leader. In spring of 2020, David and Janet began attending Westview Baptist Church, Jefferson City, Mo. and he served as a rotational Adult Sunday School teacher. He loved church hymns and sharing music with Janet at church; Janet played piano and David sang or played his violin. He was very proud of his beautiful violin; practicing hours to obtain a gorgeous tone and continued to challenge himself to best the best violinist he could be. He loved and cherished the opportunities to play music with his siblings at family gatherings, church events, weddings and funerals. David was also a skilled wood craftsman. He was very proud of his woodworking shop where he would spend hours creating beautiful projects for his home or gifts for others. He was meticulous about every detail and took great pride in his finished projects. David was always fiercely devoted to his family. He loved extended family gatherings where his laughter, competitiveness, silliness and hospitality would shine; boat rides, water skiing, card and board games, and family singing around the piano all were favorites of his. He was compassionate, thoughtful, kind, hardworking, energetic and would help family, friends and neighbors with anything you needed help with. He never met a stranger - he would greet you with his wonderful smile, strike up a conversation and you had a friend for life. David is survived by his sisters and spouses: Cynthia (Van) Page of Lebanon, Mo.; Lori (Daryl) Bopp of Lohman, Mo.; Jana (Mark) Bopp of Jefferson City, Mo.; Gail (James) Grob of Holts Summit, Mo.; brother-in-law, Danny (Rose) Ford of Springfield, Mo.; aunts: Jean Berlekamp of Albany, Mo; Sue Bowman of McEwen, Tenn.; nephews: Michael (Angela) Page, Blake (Kadie) Bopp, Christopher (Jadrien) Bopp, Ryan Bopp, Aaron (Emily) Ford, Christopher (Nicole) Ford; nieces: Kaylyn Bopp, Jennifer Grob, Hope Grob; cousins: Gary Bunch (Audrey), Randy (Wanda) Berlekamp and Becky Berlekamp. He was preceded in death by his in-laws: Jim and Yvonne (Johnson) Ford; brother-in-law: Steven Ford; and nephew: Stephen Page. David was a beloved husband, brother, uncle, great-uncle and friend to so many and he will be greatly missed by all. Psalm 27: 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall, I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2020 at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors with funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions can be made to: Westview Baptist Church, 1036 Lomo Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.