I just heard today about Dave's passing. I have so many memories of him over so many years. He always had a smile and was truly one of the greatest guys ever. He was a wealth of knowledge for sports of all kinds. He will be missed dearly. The world was better with Dave having been in it!
Melissa Darden
April 21, 2025
Allick Family: We were so sorry to read of Dave's passing. Besides teaching the boys at Erskine, Russ and I often went for lunch during our coaching years. From down by the Sokol building to the bank, we always enjoyed our Emil's lunches. Dave took such care to make our sandwiches just right. He was a wonderful caring man and the world has lost a great guy.
We used to joke about how much the boy's loved the Square Dance Unit Russ taught!!!
Please know our thoughts and prayers have been with you during such a time of great loss. Love, Russ and Kathy
Russ and Kathy Telecky
April 10, 2025
Dear Vinca, Deb, Nathan, Chris, and Adam--
It's been a long time since I've seen all of you (and especially Dave). I bet it's been at least 10 years, or more. I was so sorry to hear about Dave's recent passing. My mom (Cathie) told me about it just this past week and I was completely shocked. In fact, I think my mom and Dave graduated together from Washington High School in 1965 (?) Dave was a very humble person; always dedicated to his family, community, and friends; and of course a loyal and avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. I remember going to the deli in the old US Bank building in downtown CR with Adam during high school and also when I was in college at Coe. I'll never forget how Dave would have a big smile on his face and make everyone feel welcome, even as if you were a part of his own family. Please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences during this difficult time. May Dave rest in peace and may his memory be eternal. Take care of yourselves and remember that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Let me know if you need anything at all.
-Cyrus Payvandi
319-270-1273
Iowa City, IA
Cyrus Payvandi
March 8, 2025
Sammy and David and his dad, Uncle Emil, had the most wonderful times together when Sammy spent the summers in Cedar Rapids. He felt so close to them as if they were father and brother to him. They enhanced his life. After he married Kathie, they would vacation throughout the years continually in Cedar Rapids. Their time spent with David was beautiful. Sammy was so happy to be a part of David and Vinca’s wedding. Our broken hearts go out to Vinca and her sons and to Dianne and Debbie. May God rest the soul of David and keep him very close.
Sam and Kathie Olive
March 6, 2025
Vinca and boys:
So very sorry to read of David’s passing. What a gentle spirit. I remember him back to when the Delhi was in the Arco building downtown. Over the many years David’s smile and caring never changed.
Rest in eternal peace.
The Johnson family
Marco island, Fl
Pam, Sam and Tim Johnson
March 5, 2025
Vinca and boys, my prayers and thoughts are with you. I remember the day Dave was born. I regret we didn't get to spend more time together. I'll always remember how welcome he made you feel when we came to the deli. Especially memorable were the times we went pheasant hunting. Dave had fun being our bird dog! Thanks for the memories Dave. Sam
Sam Allick
March 5, 2025
Allick family:
Not sure where to start. Haven’t seen Dave in such a long time. We grew up together and became very close friends at Washington HS. I was lucky enough to also know Emil and Tina. Dave and I, along with Rick Moses, went to college together, beginning at Mason City Junior College. Too many wonderful and unmentionable memories from those two years. Dave and I remained close as we transferred to the University of Iowa and lived as roommates again. Finally, Dave was in my wedding as a groomsman in 1969. I regret to say we didn’t see much of each other in the future years as we went on with our own lives and families. But, the memories I had with David and his family will be with me until we meet again. May God grant Dave everlasting peace and may his memory be eternal ❤️
Phillip Haddy
March 5, 2025
Dear Vinca & Boys, I was so very sorry to read of Dave's passing. I started working at the Downtown YMCA in 1985. My office was right across the hall from the Deli and I so appreciated the friendship, kindness and good food I enjoyed at Emil's. Dave was so proud of all of you and it was fun watching the boys grow, sharing Iowa Hawkeye stories and sometimes even sharing game tickets. May your good Memories bring you all peace. Sincerely,
Jan McGinn
March 5, 2025
To the family - our deepest heartfelt sympathies and condolences to each one of you from the Allison family. Dave was simply a prince of a gentleman, a true Hawkeye fan, a great conversationalist, a kind soul and one heck of a restaurateur. Emil's Deli was always hopping - the secret ingredient; great food at a good price, a warm welcome, and a highly personal touch by Dave, the family and the staff. The sports memorabilia that adorned the restaurant priceless, the regulars included; the sport beat journalists, attorneys, bankers and others working and or visiting downtown Cedar Rapids in search of a great meal. I always enjoyed the conversations with Dave, Nathan and Deb. When Dave closed shop - Deb's became our daily lunch spot - where former employees, customers, Dave and Nathan were part of the scene and we continued our love of the Hawkeyes with friendly banter around various issues of the day. To my chagrin - I've tried and failed on numerous occasions to recreate Dave's open face turkey with mashed potatoes entree. While family and and the Cedar Rapids community lost a wonderful soul, we're all better individuals for having had the opportunity to spend time with Dave and his family.
Much love and respect,
Dan and Tina Allison
Daniel W Allison
March 5, 2025
Vinca - Vickie and I are so sorry to hear about Dave’s passing and wanted to extend our condolences to you and your entire family. We met you guys through Bill & Kathie over 45 years ago and will never forget all the good times & laughs we shared while we lived in CR. Dave was such a great guy - so easy going and personable - he was the perfect fit to take over Emil’s! We will be thinking of all of you as you celebrate Dave’s life tomorrow.
Greg and Vickie Stolte
March 5, 2025
Dave and i grew up together and always felt close to him, although our paths were far apart. Losing him shows how fragile our lives are. He was always a nice caring person in my life.
GREGORY M SIEH
March 5, 2025
Dear Vinca, Deb, Christopher, Kacie, Nathan, and Adam, and family—
Our heartfelt sorrow and condolences. Dave’s passing is way too soon. Dave always smiled and always was kind & welcoming.
I have many memories of going to Emil’s Deli for breakfast after a workout at the Y. And when I returned to Cedar Rapids as a working member in my family business, my father and I would continue that very comfortable routine. Watching Emil and then Dave and Deb attending to customers in their generational succession was a storybook American reality and a Cedar Rapids iconic experience. And seeing Christopher carry that tradition forward is a joy.
God bless you and Dave’s dear memory.
Steven and Herman Ginsberg & family
Steve Ginsberg
March 5, 2025
My condolences to the family. I often reflect back on the days from working downtown Cedar Rapids and having lunch at Emil's Deli, I remember the day my Dad introduced me to Dave & Emil. I still visualize Emil & Dave working side by side. The Allick Family is the backbone of downtown Cedar Rapids.
Brenda Gaster-Sims
March 5, 2025
I started working in downtown Cedar Rapids in 1977. It wasn’t too long before a friend took me to Emils Deli. There was always a line out the door. But all the people were familiar or friends. It made the wait bearable. Inside we were met by the friendly Allick family. Dave always remembered you and your order. Lunch with my friends Greg Lederer and Mike Weston was a fun ritual. The shop was decorated with Sports pictures including the Hawkeyes and the Chicago Bears. My son Michael started going with me and it was like passing a torch to share this regular lunch haven. Michael was friends with Chris Allick, who was on Michael’s sports teams. I have so many fond memories of Dave Allick and his kind and gentle nature. He was always smiling. My condolences to the family.
Tim Eovino
March 5, 2025
Dear Vinca, Nathan, Chris, Adam, Diane, and Deb, our entire family sends our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you for the passing of David. He was so caring and thoughtful, everyday, all day. I've been blessed to have Dave as a dear friend since our moving here in 1976. Vinnie, you and Dave were the first couple to welcome us, at your home for a softball party. Greatest of friends ever since. May God bless and care for you all! He was so special! Bill and Kathie Cink Family.
Bill and Kathie Cink Family
March 4, 2025
Dear Vinca, Deb and the Allick brothers,
On behalf of the Tucker family, we want to extend your deepest condolences and prayers to each of you upon hearing this news of David passing.
So many beautiful memories as a regular for lunch at Emil's Deli over the years. It wss my father who introduced me to David and his father, Emil. Two generations ❤️ staggered in the heart of East Cedar Rapids.
It was the first week of January 1988 for me. My dad and I began had began our daily work together after I moved back from Omaha.
He suggested we get a bite of lunch at Emil's.
That was over 37 years ago. For nearly 25 of those years, David was a part of my work day life working in downtown Cedar Rapids. My dad passed away in the summer of 2014, when Emil's Deli closed after 50 fine years.
David was a wonderful man. We deeply appreciated our fond memories of him as a family. In how he touched our family with his care, his duty and hospitality 🇺🇸
Rest in peace, David.
Robin and Carole Tucker, and Family
March 4, 2025