David E. Mclaughlin

David E. McLaughlin, 86, a resident and former 8-term mayor of Princeton, Iowa died on Friday, May 28, 2010 at his home surrounded by his loved ones.
His funeral service will be held at 11:30 A.M. Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church of Princeton where he was a member. Burial with military honors will follow at Oakridge Cemetery in Princeton. Visitation will be from 4:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at the McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf and from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, the Princeton Community Center, the Princeton Volunteer Fire Department or Heartland Hospice.
He was born in Clinton, Iowa on January 21, 1924, the son of George & Catherine (Loehendorf) McLaughlin and was a 1942 graduate of Clinton High School. After graduation, David enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a tank commander in Europe during World War II. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge, fought in Rhineland, the Ardennes and central Europe. Upon his honorable discharge as a Sergeant in 1946, he was awarded two Overseas Service Bars, the American Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the European-Middle-Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Battle Stars.
When he returned to Iowa, he married his high school sweetheart, Roberta Sible on March 27, 1946 in Clinton. They made their home in Princeton where they raised their three children.
For many years, David farmed in rural Princeton and was also employed by the North Scott School District.
He was a tireless volunteer, serving on the Princeton City Council, serving as Mayor for 16 consecutive years and as a volunteer fireman for many years. David devoted himself to volunteerism and was the recipient of the National Jefferson Award, a prestigious national award recognizing and honoring community and public volunteerism in America. Whenever and wherever help was needed, David was usually there ready to lend a hand.
Those left to honor his memory include his beloved wife, Roberta; his son, Terry (Diana) McLaughlin of Chicago, Illinois; his daughter, Debra (Mike) Ruggles of Princeton; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his son, Jerry McLaughlin; his grandson, Jason McLaughlin; his sister, Doris; his brothers, John, George & Thomas; and many beloved friends.
David began each day by thanking God for giving him another beautiful day to work, to play and be with the family he loved so much.