D David Tiegland

It is difficult to say goodbye to someone that you love with all your heart and soul. It is with a heavy heart that I inform you my best friend and loving husband, D David Tiegland, was called Home to Heaven August 4th, at 11:09AM, while he was surrounded by his loving family. 

David fought a courageous battle with cancer this past year, a journey filled with anxiety and physical pain. In the last months, both his body and spirit were weary. However, he never lost hope, his sense of humor, or his faith in God. As he knew his time on earth was drawing to a close, he remained cheerful and resolute, a testament to his indomitable spirit. When August 1st came, David said, “rabbit, rabbit.” He always said that doing so would bring him good luck for 30 days. Now that he’s gone, I know he doesn’t need to say “rabbit, rabbit” because he’s Home! No more fears or pain. Just an eternity of peace and love, surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him. I know his dear, sweet mother, Betty Tiegland, met him at Heaven’s gate. For those of us who had the privilege of knowing David, we know that he lived a life brimming with love. While his absence leaves a void in our hearts, we find comfort in knowing that he is at peace with God, unafraid of what lies beyond. No matter how your paths crossed with his, know that David held you all dear, especially his daughters Jessica and Samantha, who were the very essence of his life. Their love illuminated his days. As David’s time with us came to an end, people had many loving things to say about him. They said he was kind, caring, funny, considerate, and generous. He was praised for being a fantastic, upbeat, positive, and big-hearted friend to all. He loved hard, and that love was a gift from God. Kind, caring, and big-hearted best describe the last character David portrayed at his beloved Biloxi Little Theater. He was “Mr. Brownlow” in the theater’s 2023 production of OLIVER. It’s fitting that, in the end, his life on BLT’s stage mirrored his life on the world’s stage. And that is a legacy that will forever be etched in our memories. David was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 14, 1962. He graduated from Omaha Central High School and was active in the Drama Club. For the past twenty years he was a slot manager at Biloxi’s IP Casino. He was an avid fan of all types of music and was happiest enjoying concerts and attending the theater. David is survived by his wife, Danette Ott Tiegland, and his children, Jessica Danielle Tiegland, Samantha Rose Tiegland, Mary Arni (Bactol) Doan, and Andrew Bactol. He will be missed beyond words. We are thankful he provided us with a lifetime of loving, happy memories that will keep him alive in our hearts forever. We were blessed to have him in our lives. May Jesus hold you in His loving arms until we’re reunited again. A mass to honor his memory with his coastal family and friends will be at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church 4900 Riley Road in Ocean Springs on 08-30-2024. Mass starts at 10:00am, if you would like to pay your respects to the family you may join us at 9:00am in the Church. David’s final resting place will be in Iowa, where he will be buried next to his mother and other extended family. Rest In peace, my sunshine! Until we meet again. All my love to you, Danette.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of D David Tiegland.