White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – David Otto Van Laningham, “99 ½” years old, of Independence, IA, died Thursday, February 13, 2025, at his home in Independence.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m. – Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at White Funeral Home, Independence, with burial at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Hazleton, IA. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.

David was born July 26, 1925, in Oran, IA, the third child of Gilbert and Gladys Rose (Miller) Van Laningham. He grew up in Independence, IA, on the riverbanks of the Wapsipinicon River and attended school in Independence. On May 11, 1947, he married Evelyn Maxine Kuper in Independence. To this marriage, they had four children – Terry, Harold, Eva, and Robert. The couple would later divorce.

David was a home builder and cabinet maker for 40 years, working on 55 homes in and around Iowa, before going to work for Ed Larson Construction Co. for 15 years. His health forced him to retire, but he held on to the many relationships he made over the course of his career and life in his Independence community. David loved to fish and camp. He could be found many a day fishing on and along the Wapsie River into his late 80s. In his younger years he loved to play football, basketball and baseball for the town teams.

David is survived by 1 son, Terry (Diane) Van Laningham of Hazleton, IA; 1 daughter, Eva (Steve) Lorenz of Ankeny, IA; 10 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Harold Van Laningham, Robert Van Laningham; two grandsons, Joshua Van Laningham, Dustin Van Laningham; two brothers, Wilbert Van Laningham, Richard Van Laningham; two sisters, Goldie Parcell, Betty Bergeson; and his companion of many years, Bertha Mumford.

Memorials may be directed to Fontana Park in Hazleton, IA or to the family to be given to organizations important to David.

Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com.
White Funeral Home, Independence is in charge of arrangements.