Funeral Plan and Obituary for Fr. David J. Gese

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Funeral Plan and Obituary for Fr. David J. Gese

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Fr. David J. Gese went home to the Lord Jesus peacefully on July 22, 2024, in his home at The Rivers in Puyallup, Washington, at the age of 73.

Born in Everett, Washington on November 8, 1950, to his parents Marie (Arntz) Gese and Peter Gese, he was one of three boys.

He attended Monroe Elementary School and then he and his family moved to the eastside where he attended Holy Family Parish in Kirkland and attended Snoqualmie Grade School. He entered St. Edward’s seminary in 1965 and completed his studies for the priesthood at St. Thomas seminary in 1977.

He achieved a MDiv and BA in English at St. Thomas and was ordained at Holy Family in Kirkland by Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen on April 30, 1977. His first assignment was as Associate at St. Rose de Viterbo in Longview. Near Mount St. Helen’s, this assignment provided the historic opportunity for Fr. Dave as a young priest, to give meaningful and critical pastoral care to many displaced Cowlitz County residents by the eruption of the volcano on May 18, 1980. In 1982, Archbishop Hunthausen appointed him Associate of Immaculate Conception in Everett and in 1984 as Associate of Holy Trinity Parish in Bremerton.

He took on his first assignment as a pastor at St. Mary in Seaview in 1985 and truly enjoyed nurturing this oceanside community at the far corner of the archdiocese for three years. One parishioner at the time was quoted as saying that Fr. Gese “brought renewed spirituality to a barren parish”. He went on to be pastor of Visitation in Tacoma and St. Joseph in Elma and St. John Mission in Montesano, his longest assignment between 2000 and 2011. He was known for wearing his emotions on his sleeve. He was a man attracted to the passion of the Lord Jesus, and the excitement of adventurously following Him in ministry. Fr. Dave admitted that 1:1 ministry to parishioners was at times difficult for him, yet you would not know it with the energy he expended in this kind of individualized care. He found criticism hard to give and receive over the course of his priesthood and could be described as conflict avoidant. He was loveable, kind, open and generous. He had a tremendous sense of humor and joy that could disarm and ease the way for those under his care. Fr. Gese was a big fan of Fr. Richard Rohr’s writings, soap operas and electronics of all kinds . He was often the first to use new gadgets and share about them. His "Holy Trailer" at Lake Cushman was his happy place of retreat and renewal. Time spent there was sacred for him. He traveled, mostly in the US, but made several trips to Rome and Israel, sometimes with organized groups, other times with a few friends. He relished his time with Boy Scout troop 10 at Visitation parish and enjoyed eating out with friends. His bookshelves were full and well-used. Parishioners can attest to his love for dogs that accompanied him over the years. He outlived several people he loved and admired, still referring to and learning from them over the years.

Over the next decade, Fr. Gese had several health challenges and yet provided meaningful sacramental support to parishes in Tacoma and especially back at Holy Trinity in Bremerton, where he experienced tremendous love and support from the parish staff and community. He fully retired from regular sacramental ministry in 2022.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace.

Predeceased by his Parents; Marie and Peter, and brother; Marty. Survived by his brother Joe, cousin John, nephews, nieces, and many cousins.

Condolences can be sent to:

John Gese (cousin)

PO Box 1363

Silverdale, WA 98383