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David Ralph
Dannemiller
September 3, 1934 — February 4, 2025
Greenwood
David Ralph Dannemiller of Greenwood, IN, born on September 3, 1934, in Akron, Ohio, to Paul and Teresa Dannemiller, was a man of deep family conviction, talent, and quiet strength. He was a devoted husband, father, and brother, a joyful friend, and a determined, hard-working man who always believed in the power of perseverance and the importance of God and Family.
David was one of six children—Paul, Gerald, Ervin, Nancy and Steve—each of whom played a special role in his early life. He grew up in a home where family bonds were strong, and these connections shaped who he would become. His formative years were marked by a love for learning and a desire to achieve. His academic journey led him to the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a degree in engineering.
During the Korean War, David answered the call to serve his country. After attending basic training, he enrolled in officer training and achieved the rank of First Lieutenant. At the time, the Army did not need any first lieutenants, so he was not charged with a commission and was dutifully discharged.
In 1957, David married the love of his life, Helen Adeline Hildebrand. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. Their union was blessed with seven children: Laura, Julianne, Jeffrey, Gregory, Linda, Martin, and Jane. Family was at the heart of everything David did.
As David's career in engineering progressed, he worked for General Motors, where he was involved in designing military jets and, later, working on a nuclear submarine project. Though he excelled as an engineer, David was not fulfilled by it. He had a deep desire for something more—something that would allow him to shape his own future and be his own boss. Then in 1971, after being laid off from GM, David made a bold decision. He took a huge leap of faith and decided to open a hardware store in Greenwood, Indiana. He knew it would be a challenging journey, but he was determined to make it work. And so, the legacy of the Dannemiller True Value Hardware was born. Thanks to the support of his family—especially his brother Paul, who had already established a successful hardware store in Lancaster, Ohio—and financial help from Helen's step-father William Roehling and mother, Eleanor Roehling, David was able to make his hardware store dream a reality. The business grew, and with it, David's reputation as a dedicated, knowledgeable, and trustworthy businessman. He wasn't just selling hardware—he was building relationships, earning the trust of his customers, and making a difference in his community. His legacy is evident in the countless lives he touched through his work and his family. David proudly continued the business until 2000, when he sold it to his sons
Jeff and Greg and it continues on to this day.
But more than anything, David's greatest legacy is the love he shared with his family. He was always there for his children, guiding them, supporting them, and teaching them the lessons of hard work and humility. He was a man who lived his life with honesty and integrity, and his influence will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him. David was a member of Saints Francis & Claire of Assisi Catholic Church.
He is survived by his 7 children, Laura Troiano (Frank, MD) of Indianapolis, IN, Julianne Diller (Tom) of Brooklyn, NY, Jeffrey Dannemiller (Lorri) of Bargersville, IN, Gregory Dannemiller of Martinsville, IN, Linda Bielawski (Martin) of Franklin, IN, Martin Dannemiller of Greenwood, IN, and Jane Stipp of Greenwood, IN, 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Helen, siblings Paul Dannemiller, Gerald Dannemiller, Ervin Dannemiller, Nancy Baker and Steve Dannemiller.
A celebration of life service will be conducted by Father Stephen W. Giannini on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 7PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN. A time of gathering and sharing will take place from 4PM until 7PM at the mortuary on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Inurnment was at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Greenwood, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity in honor of David. Online co
ndolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.
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Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center
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