Only he wasn’t there.

The Fort Dodge man who helped many through his work with Alcoholics Anonymous, passed away on March 20. He was 61.

Kayser had always intended on finishing the work at his home. But he never got the chance.

“Dave was generous and a friend to anybody,” said Steve Pederson, of Fort Dodge, a friend of Kayser’s for more than 25 years. “He never took the time to finish his own garage. He was too busy helping everyone else. This is one last payback.”

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Dave Kayser’s sons pose outside of his home Saturday. From left to right are David, Seth, Tim and Michael. Dave Kayser passed away in March. Friends and family gathered at the house Saturday to finish projects Dave didn’t have a chance to complete.

Castor Construction and CEC Electric were two local firms at the house on Saturday, offering their help.

“These people are just doing it out of the kindness of their heart,” said Carol Linder, Kayser’s sister. “He wanted it done before he died. He wanted the house finished. He had surgery after surgery and it didn’t get done.”

Cathy Auten, another of Kayser’s sisters, said her brother wouldn’t have asked for the help.

“He would have never been able to do it,” Auten said. “But he never would have asked for help, either. He was too proud.”

The workers planned to finish the job on Saturday. Some inside remodeling will be done at a later time.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Michael Kayser, left, prepares a piece of siding to install on the garage at his father Dave Kayser's home. Dave Kayser passed away in March. Friends and family gathered at the home on Saturday to finish projects Dave Kayser wanted to have done.

Linder just couldn’t believe the amount of community support.

“After he’s gone, they’re still his friends,” she said. “He has two kids that are hoping to stay here. I think it’s amazing what they’re doing and I don’t know how we’d ever thank everybody.”

The house was apparently modeled after “Life As A House,” which was Kayser’s favorite movie.

Kayser’s son, David Jr., said he appreciated everyone’s support.

“Seeing all these people here just to help my dad really inspires me,” he said. “He touched a lot of people’s lives. They aren’t getting paid a dime. I know he’s looking down seeing this and he’s proud.”

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Friends and family of Dave Kayser work to install siding on his garage Saturday afternoon. Kayser passed away in March.

Kaylin Christy, of Lehigh, the girlfriend of another of Kayser’s sons, Seth, said the experience left her speechless.

“It’s very emotional to see everyone coming together,” she said. “Dave was very loved. It leaves me speechless. He would have been really proud of the boys today, too.”