David G. Gildehaus 84, died February 22, 2024.
Beloved husband of the late Joan Gildehaus (nee Sperreng). Father of Deborah Fendler (Donald), Jennifer Walker (Robert), and Carolyn Frey (Karen). Grandfather of Jordon Walker (Brittany), Andrew Fendler (Alleta), Kaitlyn Vahey (Bryan), and Hunter Walker. Great-Grandfather of Kieren, Sylas, Trevyn, Myra, Everett and Nora. Brother of Judy Herlocker, Susan Kistner and Joseph Gildehaus. Dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
David served his country as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. He spent most of his post-military career as a building inspector for The City of Webster Groves and later for St. Louis County. He was a long-time member of St. Lucas United Church of Christ and a devoted Troop 25 Boy Scout Leader. David enjoyed hunting, canoeing, camping, reading, tinkering in his workshop, and most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
Visitation at St. Lucas United Church of Christ 11735 Denny Road 63126 on Friday, March 8 from 9:30 am. until Funeral Service time at 11:00 am. Interment at St. Lucas U.C.C. Cemetery.
Losing a parent is very difficult. Your Dad appeared to have a long and family-filled life. I hope that the memories you and your family share will continue to comfort you through the coming years.
Dear Dave’s Family,
Dave was a highly respected Adult Scouter in Troop 25 that gave his time unselfishly to the development of youth in many areas of the Scouting program. Given he and Joan had daughters, this speaks highly to his unselfish commitment to also develop young men.
His specialties involved in Scouting were primarily in two areas: Outdoor activities and Mentoring Eagle candidates in Troop 25 toward presenting themselves for approval before the “official” Eagle Board. That Mentoring of Eagle candidates included covering both their Eagle Project and their ability to present themselves as measuring up to the 3-4% of Scouts that have attained Scouting’s highest rank. Dave’s leadership in Troop 25 Mentoring Eagle candidates covered several decades and I was honored to be one of his Adult Scouters to assist in that critical process under his guidance.
Beyond Scouting, Dave was always available to share his knowledge and suggestions as it related to following proper building codes doing home projects and repairs.
I was blessed to know him, observer his passion to support Scouting, and just always being available to answer questions. He’ll be truly missed.
I am a friend of Melinda Gildehaus, wife of Joseph, and wish to express my sincere condolences to the family. My prayers and thoughts are with each of you during your bereavement.
Bless you, Eloise.
Dave has been a great friend and good company any time we
had any adventure I roped him into. Having a good bonfire was
always on his agenda. Will miss his company.