David R. Gerst

On a farm outside of Fulda in Noble County, OH David Raphael Gerst was born on February 20, 1949. He was the son of the late Raphael William Gerst and Esther Eve Schott Gerst. Dave's heart could beat no longer and he died Saturday May 17, 2025 at Marietta Memorial Hospital in Marietta, OH.

Dave was tall, muscular, energetic, and athletic. He milked cows, made hay, and chased younger siblings with snakes on a pitchfork…farm things. Dave played basketball for Caldwell High School and was named to Second Team All Ohio his senior year. In track and field Dave held the discus record at Caldwell High School for many years. He graduated from Caldwell High School in 1967 and from Salem College in 1971, with a BA in Accounting.

While in college Dave met Sandy Casey (Bear to Dave) and they married on August 14, 1971. Dave and Sandy shared the joy of collecting Roseville Pottery, antiques, and traveling with each other and Sandy's family. Dave most enjoyed decorating for Christmas and for every holiday. There is no such thing as too many lights nor too many snowmen.

Dave and Sandy moved many times as Dave worked for K-Mart Corporation. Life's trail eventually led him back to Washington County to live and Noble County to work at Caldwell Lumber Do-It-Best. Dave mowed lots of grass, played golf as much as possible, watched Duke University Men's Basketball and built many a puzzle. Most importantly Dave believed in prayer and the Catholic Faith. He was a member of The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Marietta and Knights of Columbus Council #478, where he was a 4th Degree Knight and previously served as Grand Knight. He seemed never far from a rosary.

Dave is survived by wife Sandy of 54 years; surviving siblings are Cynthia (Frank) Bruggeman of Dublin, OH, Donna Gerst of Caldwell, OH Dr. Mary Gerst of Marietta, OH, Dorothy (Squeak) Rieker of Newark, OH, and Larry Gerst of Caldwell, OH; surviving in-laws are Greg and Barb Finch of Sistersville, WV; Dick and Carman Casey of Whispering Pines, NC. Dave is also survived by many dear friends, nieces, nephews, and guys from the K of C.

In addition to his parents, Dave is preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law Lee and Joan Casey; stepmother-in-law Ann Casey; brother-in-law Mike Casey and niece Kelsey Gerst.

The family will receive friends Wednesday May 21, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM with a Rosary Service at 3:00 PM and 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Chandler Funeral Home, 609 West Street, Caldwell, OH 43724. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday May 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 43700 Fulda Road, Caldwell, OH 43724, with Rev. Father Thomas Nau serving as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

"Remember Dave by praying a rosary."