Obituary: David Barrows

David M. Barrows, 78, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Unity Point-Allen Hospital.  Dave was born on February 10, 1948, in Waterloo, to Ralph L. and Virginia M. (Pullin) Barrows. He  was the youngest of three boys. He attended Orange Township School and graduated from Orange High  School in 1966. Dave attended college at the University of Iowa and then completed his Bachelor of Arts  Degree in Marketing from the University of Northern Iowa in 1971.  

In the meantime, he had discovered (in Dave's own words) Maxine Riedel while at UNI. They were  later married on June 22, 1975. Dave joined his father in working for a seafood brokerage company out  of Milwaukee in 1972 until 1981. In May of 1980, Dave and Maxine welcomed the light of their lives into  the world-their beloved daughter, Brooke. In 1981, Dave and his father took over the seafood brokerage  from Walter Meier Inc. and renamed it Barrows Brokerage Company. Together, Dave and Ralph built a  30-year legacy in the frozen seafood industry, a business that required Dave to travel weekly all over the  state of Iowa and even around the country. Following his dad's retirement in 2002, Dave decided to end  their business, and he joined his dear friend, Van Miller, at VGM Club. He was in the golf division at VGM  where he later retired in 2015.  

Back in the early days, Dave helped coach Maxine's women's softball team in Waterloo. Dave and  Maxine enjoyed playing golf together and both proudly achieved a "hole in one." Dave loved golfing on  Saturday and Sunday mornings at Porky's Red Carpet Golf Club with his friends. He was a proud  member of the Waterloo Elks Club, where he served as an Exalted Ruler in 1996. Throughout his career,  he received numerous distributor awards from vendor/broker of the year to marketing and sales broker  of the year. He also met and increased sales quotas for Coldwater Seafood Corporation numerous times  over his 30-year career.

In addition, Dave was recognized in the Who's Who Business Directory of  America in 1995. He received recognition for 29 years of service in a self-employed business as a sales  and marketing representative for Icelandic brand seafood products in the state of Iowa.  Dave and Maxine enjoyed vacationing in Scottsdale, Arizona for many, many years with their daughter,  Brooke. Their most memorable trips together were Iceland, Hawaii, and Tampa.

In their early years, Dave  and Maxine spent countless Friday evenings dining out at the Colony Club, Elks Club, and Porky's Red  Carpet. Brooke was often with them, along with Dave's parents. Dave was a huge Iowa Hawkeyes fan,  and by 2025, Dave and Maxine had enjoyed attending Iowa football games for 46 years and a number of  bowl games. Dave and Maxine are the proudest grandparents of three incredible grandsons--Carson-17,  Kane-14, and Kalin-10. They were Dave's greatest joys, and he was their biggest fan in everything they  aspired to do. Dave and Maxine spent countless hours traveling to and from Omaha to visit Brooke,  Dave, and their boys...and they wouldn't have it any other way and treasured every moment together!!  

There wasn't anything more important to Dave than the love of his life, Maxine and the light of  his life, his daughter, Brooke. Most recently, Dave and Maxine celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.  Dave was a devoted family man who took pride in the little things. He was always neatly dressed, loved  cooking, and often had dinner ready and waiting. He made sure everyone got home safely, kept life  running smoothly with his trusty lists, and never ended a phone call without saying, "I love you." There  wasn't anything Dave wouldn't do for his family and friends. He was kind, humble, funny, matter of fact,  but most of all, gentle.  

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Carole Barrows. 

Dave is survived by his wife of 50 years, Maxine Barrows of Waterloo; daughter, Brooke (David) Roberts  of Omaha, NE; three grandsons, Carson, Kane, and Kalin Roberts; and brothers, James Barrows and  Jerry Barrows; and several nieces and nephews.  

Visitation and Funeral Service: Family to receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday,  February 24, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball, Waterloo. Funeral Service to follow at 12:00  p.m. 

Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Barrows Family. 

Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your  condolences.