Obituaries
GVSU mourns the death of Dave Gabrielse
February 10, 2015
It is with great sadness that we notify you that Professor Dave Gabrielse passed away this past weekend after a battle with cancer. He was very active in his work until the past month or so. For 9 years he co-lead the December GVSU SSW students disaster relief trips to New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina and to New Jersey for Hurricane Sandy. Prof. Gabrielse leaves behind a legacy of joy, compassion and service not only to those less fortunate within the various arenas that he served, but as a professor he also touched the lives of students, all of whom desired to make a difference. He taught and modeled the art of empathy and caring. It is in these multiple ways of giving that his legacy will continue.
David E. Gabrielse, age 69, of Byron Center, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, February 7, 2015. He had a lifelong dedication to the welfare of children. For over 30 years he worked at DHS followed by teaching at GVSU School of Social Work. David was active with World Renew Disaster Relief, with a passion for helping victims after Hurricane Katrina. He is survived by his spouse, Judy; his sons, Randy (Karen), Greg (Carrie), Kevin (Karen), Dan (Beth), and Steve; six grandchildren; his mother, Cornelia of Sheboygan, WI; his brothers, Edward (Jane), and Bernard (Carol). A Memorial service will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, February 14, at Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church, 514 Eastern Ave. SE, with Rev. Thea Leunk officiating. Visitation will be held Friday from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to World Renew DRS or South Christian High School.
David requested that contributions be made in lieu of flowers in his name to: World Renew-Disaster Response Services, 400 76th Street SW, Suite 17, Byron Center, MI 49315.
Cards, condolences and notes of support for the family can be sent to Dave's wife at the following address: Judy Gabrielse, 1152 Amber Ridge SW, Byron Center, MI 49315.