Obituaries

David J. Gehl

July 15, 1942 - May 25, 2023

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Obituary For David J. Gehl

Mt. Horeb - David J. Gehl died peacefully at home on Thursday, May 25, 2023. He was 80 years old. He was born July 15, 1942, in Milwaukee, WI.

Dave immersed himself in faith, family, flying and farming. He loved being on his tractor. Dave also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching sports from his well-worn Lazy Boy chair with a big glass of ice and a 2-liter bottle of Diet 7-Up.

Dave grew up with four siblings and a deep appreciation for hard work and family values. He worked tirelessly to build a successful real estate portfolio over the years. But below the surface it was clear his greatest joy in life was his marriage to his beloved wife of 61 years, Sue. Their love was unwavering and was a stabilizing force for their family during good times and more difficult ones as well. Together they raised 5 children (John Gehl, Jayne Fassbender, Julie Kaiser, Jodi Slattery, and Jason Gehl) and each have blessed Dave and Sue with 20 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Although Dave’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit, and the support he shared will forever remain in our hearts.

A Celebration of Dave's Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 301 N. Main Street, Verona, Wisconsin. Visitation will held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to Catholic Relief Services.

Dave/Dad/Grandpa, we love you!

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625

Services

1 Jun

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Andrew Catholic Church 301 N. Main St. Verona, WI 53593 Get Directions »
1 Jun

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 PM - 11:45 AM

St. Andrew Catholic Church 301 N. Main St. Verona, WI 53593 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • June 05, 2023

    Hugs to the Gehl family ... thinking of you all. Sincere condolences to you. I know Julie through Dan (worked together) and Jayne from workout classes. Hugs to you all. Love, Gail

  • June 02, 2023

    Dave came to see me two summers ago. As sometimes happened, it didn't start well as he had some concerns about land boundaries. We drove around and discussed them, talked airplanes and flying a bit and agreed to meet again. Two days later he came back out and we looked things over. I mentioned to him that I thought the grass planted in the neighboring fields looked great. He said, "They call me a developer. What do you think?" I said, "I think you are a conservationist." He gave a big smile and looked out over the grass. We wrapped things up and talked land and airplanes more and we ended with a smile and hand shake. He said, "Ya know. You really are a pretty good neighbor." I will remember that smile and handshake. Blessings to the Gehl family.

  • May 31, 2023

    Dave will surely be missed by not only by Sue and his family but by his extended family of friends. Karen and I have not kept in touch with Dave and Sue since their 50th wedding anniversary but we should have. I always enjoyed listening to a good David Gehl story and being brought up to date. I'm sorry for the family's loss but it's a loss to all of us who considered him friends for life. I went to school with Dave, lived near Sue, and appear with David in a small 8th grade graduating class photograph. My mother and Claudia, Dave's mother, were also grade school classmates. Goodbye old friend. You will be missed.

  • May 29, 2023

    Prayers for his peaceful repose and all of the family. Your Dad was so kind to welcome our family when we came up to visit several years ago, now. I wish I could be up there.

  • May 27, 2023

    I feel for you and you're family, Jodi❤️

  • May 26, 2023

    So sorry for your loss! We will pray for Uncle Dave and your whole family during this sad time. Katy (Hibl) Price and Family

  • May 26, 2023

    On behalf of my sister, Carol Meade Wood and myself, I want to express our deepest sympathy to Sue and their children. Dave was a cheerful, energetic guy who clearly loved Sue from the time they started dating. I remember how he glowed with happiness when she on his arm. May Dave's soul rest in peace. The world lost a good man on May 25th.

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