CROFTON — David B. ”Dave” Zavadil, 70, Crofton, died April 4, 2026, at his home. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was April 11 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Crofton, with the Rev. Marcus Knecht officiating. Burial was at Beaver Creek Cemetery, rural Crofton. Visitation and a vigil service were Friday, at the church. Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Crofton. David Benedict was born March 21, 1956, in Yankton, S.D., the eldest son of seven children of Lawrence and Mary Ann (VanHeek) Zavadil. Dave grew up on the family farm north of Crofton, in the area known as Beaver Creek. His childhood included working on the farm with his family, playing baseball, and exploring the fields and ravines around his home. Dave attended Crofton High School, and graduated in 1974. After graduation, he began dating Barbara “Bobbie” Hegge. He attended Northeast Community College, Norfolk, and studied commercial and residential electrical and electronics.

Bobbie and Dave were married Sept. 23, 1978, and went on a three-week honeymoon road and camping trip of the West in his ford pickup. When they returned, they moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., where Dave began working as an electrician. Soon they moved to Canon City, Colo., built a home, and welcomed sons, Clint, Dillon, Cody and Jesse.

Dave sustained a life-altering diving injury July 2, 1985, at Lewis & Clark Lake, while trying out a sailboat he had bought just that weekend. After a long and difficult recovery, he was paralyzed at 29-years-old. He and Bobbie then moved to Omaha. After a short stint in Omaha, they moved back to Crofton to be close to family, where they have lived since.

Before his accident, Dave enjoyed hiking, motorcycle riding, camping, hang-gliding, astronomy, skiing, photography, and flying. He was adventurous to the extreme, exploring the mountains and several hobbies. His adventurous nature, creativity, and craftsmanship were on display when he built an ultralight airplane, fabricating each part from only blueprints. He rarely just dreamed of something, he did it. All of his hobbies involved learning or nature.

After his accident, Dave was anything but “paralyzed.” He was an active participant in observing and interacting with nature. He loved to watch birds, squirrels, deer, and wildlife in all forms. Activities like tracking weather and the changes of the seasons though regular rhythms, noting the first robins in the spring, locusts in the summer, and ice on the lake in winter, and discovering wildlife through photography were of great joy to him. He was an NOAA weather observer for 40 years, and was awarded the John Campanius Holm Award for his excellence in meteorological observation. This award earned him recognition from the governor, and he was awarded the ceremonial position of Admiral of the Nebraska Navy. He served as the Crofton Civil Defense director and City Park Superintendent. He was an amateur radio operator connecting with new friends around the world. He enjoyed facilitating presentations about his several interests to the Crofton Elementary students when they would come to his house for a field trip. Later in life, he spent time working as an engineering aid.

Dave fully devoted himself to raising his boys. Early on he taught them technical and electronics skills as they worked with him on his several projects. He was committed to their learning always. Many a night was spent sitting on the couch by the fireplace, reading the Lewis and Clark journals and working on homework together. Most of all he taught them to calmly work through, over, and around any problem or difficulty. He was a loving father, who supported his family and was unfailingly there for them. Dave was able to live at home and remain as vital and active as he was through the care of his loving wife, Bobbie. She was steadfast in her care, even into her last few moments with him. He recognized this in her, and was forever grateful. As his kids grew and left home he hired many other Crofton youth to continue his projects. He was a thorough and patient teacher, and those he taught learned numerous valuable trades. Over time, one in particular became one of Dave’s closest supports. Justin Mueller worked with Dave on several projects large and small at his home, the cabin, and the Zavadil family farm and was an important support for the family.

As the boys got married and had their own families, time together evolved into lake time at the cabin his family built together. This was a project Dave made happen out of intention and love for his family. He wanted to create a place for the family and grandkids to gather, enjoy each other, and remember him. As always he didn’t just think about it, he did it. Many Christmases, 4th of Julys, and other holidays were spent there together. He was able to enjoy his love of nature and family in one place, and his legacy will live on in the place he most loved to be.

Dave is survived by his wife, Bobbie (Hegge); three sons, Clint (Nicole), Dillon (Miranda), and Jesse (Brandi); six grandchildren, Anna, Owen, Zoey, Hazel, Reagan and Harper; mother, Mary Ann Zavadil; and siblings, Sue (Russ), Duane (Glenda), Larry (Paula), Jean (Al), Judy (Bruno), and Bill (Karla); and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his son, Cody Zavadil; father, Lawrence Zavadil; and nephew, Ben Ryan.