David Gellner

24 décembre, 1941 - 10 janvier, 2021

Biographie


David Allen Gellner was born December 24, 1941 in Cleveland, OH and was raised in Parma, OH. His father, Michael, was a baker and his mother, Julia, was a nurse. He had two older brothers, Bill and Sam. His early years were full of adventure, with a bit of mischief mixed in. Dave loved animals and had a cocker spaniel dog named Candy, which he taught several tricks, including fetching his father's slippers at the sound of his car arriving home. Dave even had a secret pet horse for a little while!
Much like the movie, A Christmas Story (also set in Cleveland), Dave had a few childhood bullies that he had to take care of. He took his oldest brother Bill’s advice to “never let anyone mess with you” to heart, and got into an occasional fight because of it. That advice also led him to begin his lifelong passion for the sport of weightlifting.
At the age of 13, Dave began to lift weights, and he was quite good at it! He went on to win several competitions and held several titles, including 1961 Ohio State Champion,1963 and 1965 Florida State Champion. For his body weight class he broke the military press record in the gym, and was even invited to the 1968 Olympics as an alternate. Dave met some of his best friends during those years, friends he still talked to as recently as Christmas Eve 2020.
In 1963, knowing that the military draft was happening soon, Dave took his brother Bill’s advice once again and joined the United States Air Force, where he served for four years as a radar and inertial navigation repairman. He was stationed in several different locations, including Bitburg, Germany, where he joined and eventually became the captain of the German Weightlifting Team.
Dave gained a reputation for his weightlifting and boxing, and would fight anyone who dared to mess with him, even beating a golden gloves champ of Arizona in an exhibition fight. While he served in the Air Force, he met a good friend named Jim who was involved with the Navigators, and who eventually led Dave to Christ. It was then that Dave’s life changed, and God began to develop in him a deep love for people and their eternal destination that would become a hallmark of Dave’s character.
During those years in the Air Force, Dave also began to write letters to a beautiful Christian girl back in New York named Nancy, whom he later married in 1968. Dave and Nancy had two amazing boys, Eric and Jonathan. Their married life took them to many places, including Toccoa, Georgia, where Eric was born. While there, Dave went to Toccoa Falls Bible College, and graduated Summa Cum Laude (meaning with highest distinction), despite dealing with both audio and visual dyslexia his whole life. They later moved to Florida to take care of his father who was a hard-hearted man that Dave eventually led to Christ before his passing.
Dave held many different occupations throughout his lifetime, including teaching, working as an electrician, and pastoring churches. In 1979, Dave and Nancy moved to Chandler, Arizona, where Jon was born. Nancy worked as a Christian school teacher and taught 4th grade. Dave taught and was Vice Principal at Calvary Academy in the early 80s, and he pastored Higley Baptist Church in the mid-80s. Dave also worked for the 161st Air Base in the Air National Guard, eventually retiring in 2001 as Master Sergeant, with 28 total years of service in the military.
After their youngest son, Jon, had graduated high school, Dave and Nancy moved north to Burton, AZ, near Show Low. They both taught at the American Indian Christian Mission, and Dave was also involved in truck stop ministry in Holbrook, AZ. In Burton, they were very involved in their church, Burton Baptist, where they met several dear friends.



After Nancy passed away from cancer in 2006, Dave continued to live in Burton and stay involved in truck stop ministry, as well as pastoring the First Indian Baptist Church in Winslow. His beloved dog, Bruno, kept him company during that time of grieving his wife. But Dave was lonely, and with the advice and blessing of his departed wife Nancy, he began to seek out a new relationship.
A pastor friend of Dave’s knew of a very sweet Filipino woman named Ligaya whose love for the Lord was well known amongst her friends. Dave began to write letters and video chat with Ligaya, who lived in Quezon City, near Manila in the Philippines. In the Fall of 2007, Dave traveled to the Philippines to meet Ligaya in person. He had fallen in love with her through their written and video correspondence, but after meeting her in person and hearing about her character from friends, family and pastors, Dave knew it was the Lord’s will for him to marry Ligaya. And so they married in October 2007 in the Philippines.
It took just over a year to be able to bring Ligaya here to Arizona. But once she came in March 2009, they began their married life in Burton and got involved in their church. In 2012, Dave and Ligaya moved to Gilbert, AZ to be closer to family and closer to the city. After coming from a densely populated place like Manila, living on several acres in Burton, AZ felt very secluded to Ligaya.
God really began to work through both Dave and Ligaya, continuing to grow their love for people, and leading them to open their home up to anyone who God put in their path. They began to host a Friday night Bible study and Discipleship group shortly after moving to Gilbert. While some of the faces have changed through the years, their group faithfully met every Friday night to study God’s word together, sing songs of worship to Him, and fellowship together over delicious Filipino food. Dave would also meet weekly with several men, discipling them and teaching them how to share Christ with others.
Among Dave’s favorite past times of drawing, singing, flying model airplanes, cooking and studying God’s word, he also continued his daily discipline of weightlifting. God used that passion many times to allow Dave to share the gospel and lead others to Christ while working out. Even at their local gym, Dave was well known for his love for the Lord and his passion for sharing the good news of Christ with anyone who would listen. Dave shared his knowledge and passion for weightlifting with both of his sons, many of their high school friends and sports teammates, and even his grandchildren.
As a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend, Dave was many things to many people, and he deeply loved them all. His love for Christ impacted hundreds of lives over the years, and his legacy is an example and encouragement to everyone who knew him, to be bold in sharing the good news of Christ, and be boundless in loving others.

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Famille

À propos de

Nom David Gellner
Date de naissance 24 décembre, 1941
Date de décès 10 janvier, 2021
Ville natale Cleveland, OH, US 
Opinions religieuses Protestantism
Intérêts Discipleship, Weightlifting, Boxing, Art
Dicton préféré "Do everything out of love."

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Eric Gellner a publié un hommage .

Here a link to the amazing memorial service:
https://youtu.be/99fFvAElrvU

We also posted it in the Mementos.

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Steven Petkus a publié un hommage .

My buddy Arnold asked me to attend a bible study at his friend Daves house for a couple years at least before I finally agreed. Upon arrival I walked into Dave and Ligayas home and immediately felt comfortable. (Usually I dont care for new social gatherings).. My wife Ashley and I continued to go on fridays until covid hit and unfortunatley shut down the study. I spent some time with Dave outside of the studies working on his house and talking about the Lord. I wish I could have spent more time learning from him but Im comforted by the fact that I will see him again in Heaven. He is responsible for teaching a brother in Christ that I now learn from all the time and have a great friendship with and for that I am truly greatful... Dave was a wonderful guy and an awesome example of faithfulness and perseverance. Winning souls for the Lord... We will miss you Dave! Till we meet again!!!

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Oscar Franco a publié un hommage .

I'm blessed to have met Dave, Dave was a man who had a heart for God, I once jokingly Quoted to him Philippians 4:13"You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you" As he was about lift some heavy weights... He quickly straightened me out about the true meaning of that scripture. Im thankful for the time I had with Dave,and hope to see him again

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Jon Gellner a publié un hommage .

DAD
I’ll be honest and admit that it’s a difficult task to express to you guys who dad was to me. It’s complicated to describe a person you lost and loved so much in a short time, but this is what I got:
Dad was a simple man in some ways but complicated in many other ways. For example, he could tell me the ins and outs of everything involved with ac vs. dc electricity , but hated his smart phone so much he was ready to throw it across the room. Theologically he understood the importance of hermeneutics when reading scripture, apologetics when defending his faith, church history to discern from falling into past heresies; but he also simply understood it is only the power of the gospel that saves people eternally. Not lofty arguments that try to convince someone to the point of reasoning their way into the kingdom. He understood that faith in an almighty transcendent God is reasonable because the evidence is very convincing and reasonable, but first and foremost dad simply understood that his life completely changed 180 when he simply placed his faith in Christ. This change led him on a new passion in life to make disciples as many of you know. My dad meant what he said and said what he meant. If he had a conviction, he expressed that conviction no matter what the cost. He was wise in understanding that in the long run the cost is higher if he didn’t express those conviction with others in a bold, yet gracious manner. He understood the importance of this despite the way our modern society who thinks expressing conviction is not “tolerant or loving”, when in reality, letting someone who has been diagnosed with cancer know they have cancer is the most loving thing they can be told at that moment, so they can do something about it to be given a chance to live. In the same way, dad boldly expressed to literally anyone he ran into, whether it be at the gym, the store, the post office, the park, or in his work place; the warning of the judgment of sin that separates them from a holy God and explaining that the solution is not within themselves or their self righteousness, but the solution is only in the lamb with no sin, Christ who paid the penalty and became the curse, shed his blood so that whoever place their faith in Him would be seen as righteous in God’s sight only by Christ’s righteousness.
My dad’s life reflected the life of Christ in many categories of life. Growing up he cared for the poor by inviting the homeless to live with us temporarily and showed them dignity by teaching them how they are loved by God and the hope that is in Christ. I’ve experienced these individuals come to Christ by his love for them and in turn their lives changed by making amends with their family and even able to support them by getting a job. I’ve seen him pickup random drunks off the street to help them escape the danger of getting hit by a car and tending to their needs. He was a father to the fatherless and trained young men up in righteousness . Dad opened his home up to anyone. Yes, it was a risk, but a risk that he was always willing to take for the sake of a soul to be won. Eternity was and is more than ever very real to him and the way he lived his life on earth proved that it was very real to him indeed. I could tell he had confidence and was at peace with death till the very end just as my mom did.
I recognize the bittersweetness of death. Im not going to lie to you or myself that the bitter doesn’t sting because it stings tremendously. The day after his passing, the air seemed thinner by realizing the other part of my dna has now left the earth and I’m here left behind not being able to call asking for advice about something, argue with, have a meal with, love and laugh with, and all the other things life involves, but I can truly say that I’m also tremendously blessed by God giving me a set of parents who loved me in such a way that prepared me and gave me the tools to understand that we have hope in things that are not of this temporary world. I, like my brother, have a family to love, protect, and train up to understand the same things we were taught and keep on truckin in this thing called life in such a way that brings Glory to our Savior. Temporarily speaking, I do kinda feel like an orphan, but in Christ I know that I am adopted as His son forever. This truth reminded helps so much. My temporary father understood that he was sinful and would not meet my every need as our Heavenly Father is sinless and can meet every eternal need that is beyond our temporary minds. In this understanding, my dad understood why we need to give each other as sinners grace. My relationship with my dad was very rare in the sense that we knew we could talk about or argue over anything knowing at the end we’d love each other no matter what. We never “canceled” each other over any disagreement or dispute(which we had many), even leading me to the point of repentance at times, but dad always forgave me and we never held a debt against each other. One thing that I have observed after losing a loved one, is the fact that after they are gone you have a very hard time remembering any way in which they wronged you; and if you do remember, you give them way more grace than as if they were alive today. I pray that I don’t forget to treat others around me as if it were the last time I see them. I’m sure I’ll screw up so please show me grace as well.
Thank you so much for your support by coming, and I’m sure you already know that he loved you and will continue to eternally love you if you know Christ as your Savior and Lord of your life. For those of you that were under my dad’s discipleship, I encourage you to continue running the race“looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2

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Micah Tang a publié un hommage .

I met Mr. Gellner a few years ago at our local gym. I noticed he was clearing weights extremely easily and he started a conversation with me. I later got his number as we had both found out we were both Christians. Although we didn’t see each other often, I saw him again at church when we were seeing off one of our school teachers and he remembered exactly who I was! We caught up quite a bit then. He has so much wisdom and insight as an athlete and was always cheering me on whenever I went to competitions. He was the only one I believed when he told me that I could balance both sports and Christianity as I had NEVER taken anyone else’s advice that it was possible. He truly was a blessing to meet. May he Rest In Peace.

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Nitz Valdez a publié un commentaire .

Thanks Dave & Gay for the friendship and always praying for our family . I thank God more for the opportunity to meet you. I was hoping for another visit to our home after you got married here in QC.
You will be missed Dave, the good and faithful servant of the Lord..., a blessing to many in so many ways .. but you are in better place...
May the peace of God be with Gay and the Gellner clan of your passing.

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Keith Morehead a publié un hommage .

Uncle Dave made a great impact in my life. As a new Christian he took the roll to not only be a good example of a follower of Christ but also a lover of His Word. I loved hearing his many stories about the great things God did in his life while eating Ligayas food and playing Mexican train together. I look forward to seeing, walking, and talking with him again in heaven!

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Lemer Mac a publié un hommage .

Uncle Dave will be deeply missed. He is an inspiration to me and to many others for his love for God and people; as he always left a lasting positive impact to all those that he met. He will always be a great example to me of someone who boldly shares his faith in Jesus and love for Jesus to others in zealousness. I will always remember his wonderful and amazing stories of his life journey; and how he always showed the love of Christ towards me and my family. My heart, prayer, and condolence goes out to the family. I am grateful and thankful for Uncle Dave's life and I know that he is now resting in peace with God.

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Meliza Mac a publié un commentaire .

Praying for you Ate Ligaya and the Gellner family during this difficult time. I hope you feel the power of God’s love and His presence in your lives. Thank you Uncle Dave for making a difference in the lives of many. You will be missed

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John And Bing a publié un hommage .

We are thankful to have known Dave and all that he was -- Sold Out for Christ! An excellent example of a life given to the cause of Christ and spreading HIS love and salvation to all that he came in contact with. He was and still is an inspiration in our lives.

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Flor Macasinag a publié un hommage .

My deepest sympathy and prayer to you Sister Ligaya and the whole family ( Gellner ) . Brother Dave is strong man of God his faith and his love to God inspired me and my husband so much . I know that he is with our Heavenly Father right now receiving the reward for his faithfulness to God . Rest in peace Dave.

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Mary May a publié un hommage .

My heartfelt condolences to Sister Ligaya and the whole Gellner Family.
Uncle Dave has inspired me and my family in so many ways and he shall be remembered in our hearts always. Most of all His passion for the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ will be part of my motivating factor to continually serve God and His people. God Bless and Rest in power uncle Dave.

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Dean Gellner a publié un hommage .

Deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the entire family. I used to hear many weight lifting stories from my Father about Uncle Dave picking up big block Chevrolet blocks like paper weights and moving around Sam’s shop! Rest In Peace David! God Bless.

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Brad Hering a publié un hommage .

Dave the discipler!
Met Dave in seminary and learned many great truths from him!
At times, I thought he was trying to kill me when we lifted together!
Everything in his life was about his passion to share the truth & love of Jesus! I imagine he is trying to teach Jesus some lifting secrets and running Him through the Navigators series between glorified body workouts!
Verse for Ligaya, Eric, Jonathan and extended family.
"Better is one day in His courts than a thousand elsewhere"
Shalom peace my friend.
In Christ's love
Brad Hering

Amazing legacy video of Dave's life

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Amanda a publié un hommage .

First off, I would like to say I am so sorry for your loss. But the kingdom of the Lord has been added to!

One day, I was doing yard work and praying to God for a good bible study group. Out of blue, comes my next-door neighbor, Dave, walking over to spark up a conversation and invite me to his home bible study. Wow. I attended almost every week since then and I was so blessed by him and everyone he invited each week as we got together to study God's Word. What a godly man Dave was and what a blessing he and his wife, Ligaya, have been to me. They still are. He has taught me so much and I'm so sad that I didn't visit him one more time before he passed.

Dave was like the grandpa I never had. He taught me to be disciplined in studying the word and how to truly study using apologetics, hermeneutics, and the history of the church. He also taught me that it is important to be a respectable person with dignity; to stay true to your nos and yeses, to show up on time, and to have respect. We could easily talk for hours. He was so loving and uplifting. I always left Dave & Ligaya’s house happier than when I came in. I’m so grateful that God put them in my life. I wish I could say bye one more time but praise God I will see him in heaven.

Thank you, Lord, for Dave & Ligaya.

Love, Amanda Collins

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Kristine Acayan a publié un hommage .

My Condolences Auntie Ligaya, Family and Love ones. Someone special never be forgotten because he always had time to share the word of Our Almighty Father and give advice when it was needed. May the soul of Uncle Dave be at peace with Our Almighty Father. Uncle Dave thank you for being part of Auntie Ligaya's life, we are going to miss you.

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Kristine Acayan a publié un commentaire .

Uncle Dave would always want to talk with me and my husband Jim, he was always excited to see me and would always tell me that Im beautiful (thanks to you uncle Dave

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Kristine Acayan a publié un commentaire .

Uncle Dave is like a father to me. We always had fun talking with each other and He would constantly share stories about his life. He invited me to visit their place. I told him that if i can ride a broom, I'll fly to the US right away, unfortunately his gone now and it might not be happen. What i like the most about him is that he would constantly share with me things about the bible.
I would say he is Lucky and happy because he is with Our creator.
We will surely miss you Uncle Dave, Thank you for everything.

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Michael Weg a publié un hommage .

I have know Dave for as long as I can remember. Jon (Dave’s youngest son) and I have been best friends from the age of 3 years old. The times I spent around the Gellner family left me with so many memories of Dave. I always respected Dave because he was a great family man and friend to those around him. Every time I encountered him, even if it had been a long time, he was always the same old Dave. Dave had a gift of captivating those around with his ability to tell stories. He shared with me many stories of his life and some of the crazy things he had done throughout his life. Dave was also a inspiration to those around him with his motivation when it came to lifting weights and pushing himself physically. I have never seen a man so determined to hang in there with those who were much younger than him and he was quite successful in doing so. But there was one thing that Dave unapologetically did as long as I had known him even until his very last day on earth. That one thing was telling people about his Lord and personal savior, Jesus Christ. Dave knew that this world was not his home and he was just passing through. Dave knew that the most important thing he could do here on earth was to share the gospel, the good news, and he was diligent in doing it. Today I know that Dave is in heaven and he is singing songs of worship just like he did while he was here on earth (Dave was a great singer). Dave’s mission on earth is now complete; however, I know if he was here right now he would remind us what the scripture says. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by Grace you have been saved,through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” We are sad the Dave is not with us any more but we can rest in the fact that he is now where he always longed to be, in the presence of his savior.

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Gloria Rollon a publié un hommage .

my condolences Ligaya family and love ones you are all blesed to have a husband, father, grandfather, pastor, discipler and friend. He is with the Lord. He pssionately love n serve the holy spirits. Comfort and peace be upon all of you thank you ligays for introducing your husband and had a short talk with him I sense he loves you dearly n he has a sense of humor remember ehen he said honey dew take care of yourself and continue the legacy of your husband in loving God and loving people.

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Leslie T. Villorente a publié un commentaire .

Dave’s life is very inspiring. He is a good role model of one who loves & follows the Lord. He lived a full life and left a great legacy for us to emulate. Though l only knew Dave through the texts messages of Sis Ligaya during the pandemic in 2020, l came to know Ptr Dave’s fire for evangelism, discipleship & love for weight lifting. His is truly a life well-lived. Glory to God! May God’s great comfort and peace be upon all the bereaved loveones. Thanking God for Dave’s wonderful testimony. - Ptr Leslie Villorente, Walk By Faith Fellowship, Phils.

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Cameron Raber a publié un hommage .

I have many great memories of Mr. Gelner from my high school and early college years from him teaching this uncoordinated teenager to powerclean, playing turok and listening talk about Jesus.
One of his favorite words in German to keep us motivated while lifting weights was SNELL MOKKEN which means buck up or look lively!

He was an amazing father to my friend Jon and God is no doubt saying to him Well done good and faithful servant!

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Melinda Robinson a publié un hommage .

I knew and met Dave in 2006 when he dropped by and visited at Calvary Chapel in Winslow after he preached at First Indian Baptist Church in Winslow, AZ. My ex-husband was a Pastor in Calvary Chapel in Winslow. Robert Clifton Robinson and I introduced Ligaya Gallardo, my friend from the Philippines, to Dave in 2006. They got married in 2007. After so many years, Dave and Ligaya were my closest friends. They welcomed me to stay in their home anytime I needed comfort and a shoulder to lean on.
Dave was a good man, friend and a Pastor. The Lord guide Dave to be my mentor and marriage counselor. When I got divorced, my friendship with Dave and Ligaya prevailed.
I am deeply saddened by Dave’s passing. May his journey to the Lord be guided by the Lord’s love and embrace. Rest In Peace, Dave. You will remembered in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord give Ligaya. strength to carry on.

Love always,
Melinda

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The Jeseritzs a publié un hommage .

We knew Dave from Mesa Baptist Church, a small man with a big heart. He loved talking to people and always had a great story to tell. Weight lifting! We never knew he did this his entire life. Thank you for sharing his life history. He, indeed, was an extraordinary man. His sweet wife, Ligaya was always so happy whenever someone came to Christ through their ministry. God has Dave now, His faithful servant and son.

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Jon On Behalf Of a publié un hommage .

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Arnold Arriola Jr a publié un hommage .

My desire to witness to people led me to Dave Gellner. As a new believer one of the few things I was sure of was that I wanted to share the gospel with the lost, only problem was that I didn’t really know how to go about it. So I prayed to God and asked for someone to help me learn how to witness to the lost. Just as His promise says in Jeremiah 33:3 God gave me Dave who was a-lot more than what I asked for! He taught me effective methods in sharing the gospel, how to study God’s word and how to apply God’s word! Out of all the lessons with Dave the most important was understanding that God is love and everything He does to and for us is out if love! I pray we all let love be our motivation as we get the gospel to the lost!

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Nathan Oz a publié un commentaire .

Dave... What a man. I prayed hard for a teacher and shortly after, I met him. Such a humble, wise, and loving man. He taught me TONS about evangelism, witnessing, and overall just how to be a good man/father. The hospitality and love that Dave and Ligaya had/have for people is completely in line with Jesus. Although my time with Dave was short lived, I thank God for introducing me to him.
The course of my life is forever changed. I’ll never forget that awesome smile of his. Pure joy. Rest In Peace my friend.

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Pauline Kupper a publié un hommage .

I met Dave and Ligaya when they moved in next to me in Gilbert. I was very blessed to meet them. I loved Dave's stories about his Air Force career and his weight lifting. I remember him showing me the newspaper clippings of his weightlifting career. He always welcomed me into their home where my husband and I would go to have dinner and play Mexican Train. Dave loved to talk about God and was always sharing the word of God with us as well as telling us stories of others he had brought to God. Though I moved from there years ago I have not forgotten Dave and Ligaya and their kindness. It saddens me that Dave is no longer here but I know he is with the Lord and is smiling his infectious smile on all of his family and friends. RIP Dave. Prayers for peace to his lovely wife, his children and the rest of his family, I know he is greatly missed.

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Tony Pierce a publié un commentaire .

Dave had such a love for his family, his Lord, and for the lost he came in contact with. I never met a man who could talk to anyone about Jesus the way he could. He was always a quiet and gentle man of God around me. May the Lord bless the family as you celebrate this incredible man of God. I know the Lord’s presence and peace will be great in you all.

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Brian Mendoza a publié un commentaire .

Dave was such an amazing person and overall true brother in the Faith. I met Dave 3 years ago shortly after being saved. I prayed that God would put people in my life that would lead me to Him in the right way and Dave was the first person to appear. Dave didn’t hesitate to pray with me outside of the gym and also invite me over to his house to eat and fellowship. Dave opened not only his house to me but his life also. He shared many stories of his experiences and things he loved to do. Dave was my mentor in the Faith and discipled me. He always told me the importance of going out there and being a doer of the Word and spreading the Gospel. Dave was truly a man after Gods own heart and had an amazing love for people both saved and unsaved l. Dave wouldn’t let anyone that came into his path go without knowing they received the gospel knowing the importance of our eternal security. I am very grieved to lose a close brother but rejoice exceedingly knowing that Dave fulfilled the purpose God had for him and is not home in paradise. For a little while Dave has been taken away from us but soon and very soon we will be reunited with our brother for eternity with no more death or sorrow.

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Amanda Collins a publié un hommage .

One day, I was doing yard work and praying to God for a good bible study group. Out of blue, comes my next-door neighbor, Dave, walking over to spark up a conversation and invite me to his home bible study. Wow. I attended almost every week since then and I was so blessed by him and everyone he invited each week as we got together to study God's Word. What a godly man Dave was and what a blessing he and his wife, Ligaya, have been to me. They still are. He has taught me so much and I'm so sad that I didn't visit him one more time before he passed.

Dave was like the grandpa I never had. He taught me to be disciplined in studying the word and how to truly study using apologetics, hermeneutics, and the history of the church. He also taught me that it is important to be a respectable person with dignity; to stay true to your nos and yeses, to show up on time, and to have respect. We could easily talk for hours. He was so loving and uplifting. I always left Dave & Ligaya’s house happier than when I came in. I’m so grateful that God put them in my life. I wish I could say bye one more time but praise God I will see him in heaven.

Thank you, Lord, for Dave & Ligaya.

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Lindell Grant Hendricks a publié un hommage .

I knew Dave was an amazing person and know that after he left this earthly life he is still a shining star to all the people he witness to over the years. I had several conversation with Brother Dave during my time in the Arizona Guard. Rest in peace.

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Orbelina Anderson a publié un hommage .

David was a dear friend. We met when I attended a bible class at his home one Friday night. He and Ligaya met me at the door. I felt genuine welcome and warmth. He was caring and thoughtful. I always had many questions on both the gospel and the ministry. He patiently answered my questions, and took whatever time was necessary to fully respond.
He ministered to the homeless, and to those away from home, with kindness and a welcoming spirit.

Through his bible classes, David served the Lord and was a good example of what a true Christian should be. He inspired me to read and study the bible.

And we became friends.

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Tammy (Dodds) White a publié un hommage .

I will always remember you and Nancy and what an impact that you have had on my families lives. As a newly recovered drug addict just beginning to attend Tri-City Alliance Church, Nancy and you opened your hearts to my family to disciple us in the Navigator series discipleship program giving me a really strong foundation for my Christian faith. I remember how bold both of you and your boys have been for sharing the gospel on missions and with anyone they came across. I pray one day that I am as bold in my faith as you both have always been.

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Charles Jones a publié un hommage .

It was a few years ago. I was in the back yard gymn. I was doing a few sets. He noticed me there. ( I don't really get visitors. )
A few others & Mr Gellner called me by my name. (I didn't know how they knew my name. ) They were looking for another individual ; with the same name. (1st & last name. )
They took time to share a few words. Offered to share the gospel. I sat there listened. And continued to strengthen my faith. I am glad he chose to include me in there Bible studies.

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Michael Brewster a publié un hommage .

Mr Gellner always had a bright smile and a twinkle in his eye. Because I knew him in my youth, our communication was never elaborate. But I always got the sense that he could see right into my soul. He knew me. He was wise. And he never seemed to judge. Most of the Christian influences in my life at that time made me feel the opposite. Their own insecurity veiled in religiousness. Not Mr Gellner. He lived his life from a position of strength and contentment.

Most of my experience was with his son Jon. An amazing human being that possesses these same characteristics. Jon resembles his father In every way and I know he owes his “ness” to David.

Sorry for your loss Jon. All I can think to say is the thing I most remember about your father and what I hope he yelled as he entered the pearly gates.

“Schnell Machen”

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