David Breuel Sheldon

David Sheldon, 83, of Denver, Colorado, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

David was born January 12, 1942, in Percival, Iowa to Mark and Maxine (Breuel) Sheldon. He grew up on his family’s farm in the southwest corner of the Missouri River Valley farming corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. It is working on the farm and his years as a boy scout where he developed his ingenuity, honed his skill as a craftsman, and cultivated a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for nature that shaped the course of his life. As a young man, Dave was a standout student and leader, serving as class president and earning English, science, and thespian awards at Nebraska City High School.

In 1960, Dave left the farm to attend the University of Michigan where his uncle was a professor in Michigan’s medical school. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering and a master of business administration. His time at the university was marked by lifelong friendships, including with many of his fraternity brothers in Lambda Chi Alpha. After graduation, Dave moved to Denver in 1966, where he met the love of his life and began a long and distinguished career at Ball Corporation.

In October 1967, David married Barbara Schmaedeke. Together, they built a beautiful life, sharing 52 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Dave was a devoted father to their three children—Devon, Mark, and Peter—and a proud grandfather “Bop” to Merritt, Oliver, Giffin, Adelaide, and Till, who brought him great joy in his later years. Davie’s ever-present sense of humor, strong work ethic, do-it-yourself approach, card playing acumen, and devotion to family helped shape his family into the people they are today. 

At Ball Corporation, he was instrumental in building the premier Metal Container Division, where his expertise in sales and marketing helped propel Ball Corporation to become a global leader in the beverage can manufacturing industry. He enjoyed a wide range of job experiences including project engineer, manufacturing supervisor, manager of research and development, vice president of sales/marketing, and corporate officer. Over his three decades with the company, Dave earned a reputation for leadership, integrity, and dedication, ultimately retiring as Executive Vice President of Packaging Operations responsible for divisions spanning four continents worldwide. All along, Dave was active and held board seats and leadership roles with various industry organizations.

Dave was a man of many talents and passions and a voracious reader. As a proficient handyman, his crown jewel was a decade-long historic restoration of their 1893 Queen Ann Victorian in North Denver which he called home with his family for 20 years. During this time, he dedicated himself to working in Broomfield and traveling the world for Ball, house renovations, running around Sloan’s Lake, and actively engaging in his children’s lives, such as refereeing kids’ soccer games. He and his sister continued to own and operate their 1000-acre farm in Iowa, maintaining the homestead house built in 1906. As a skilled woodworker and welder, he crafted a wide range of custom furnishings for every home he lived in. Dave found solace in tying flies and spending time on the river, fly fishing with his handmade collection. Together, Barb and Dave made Frisco, Colorado, their retreat, enjoying hiking, biking, and boating in the summer, and skiing in the winter. He indeed traveled the globe, but a lake in northern Michigan always held a special place in his heart as his favorite annual vacation spot with family. 

After retirement, Davie was active in his community, serving on nonprofit boards for Urban Farm, Pet Aid, and for many years, Four Mile Historic Park. He was always the documentarian extraordinaire; recording years of movie club’s movies, every book read, family gathering, vacation, and even chores around the house. Dave’s legacy is one of values, patience, laughter, intelligence, and the quiet strength that comes from a life well-lived.

David is preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara, his parents, and his sister, Jane Bernard. He is survived by his children, Devon (Tyler) Coombe, Mark (Jaala) Sheldon, and Peter (Bethany) Sheldon, his five grandchildren, and countless friends, neighbors, and colleagues who were touched by his warmth, kindness, personality, and wisdom.

A memorial service will be held at the Denver Botanic Gardens on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Four Mile Historic Park, honoring David’s love for the preservation and education of Western culture and heritage.

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