Geraldine David age 88, of Gaylord, MI passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at My Michigan Medical Center in Midland.
Geraldine (Johnson) David was born in Detroit, Michigan, on September 29, 1934, to Fred and Mary Johnson. Geraldine is survived by her two sisters and brother. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, twin sisters, and her husband.
The Johnson family moved around (Rose City, Grand Rapids, Temple) until Gerry was nine years old, then they settled in West Branch where she attended West Branch Elementary and High School, where she graduated in 1953. It was in West Branch that Gerry acquired her love and interest in sports. She played on a championship girls’ basketball team and was the softball team pitcher during her high school years.
After graduation, Gerry went to Central Michigan University and pursued a degree with a Physical Education major, and a Health and Business minor. She graduated in 1957.
At CMU Gerry met the ‘love of her life’ Karl T. “Rudy” David at a Valentine’s Day Dance in 1956. On February 2, 1957, they were the first couple married at the new St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch. They lived in Flint, Michigan for two years, where her first son Karl J. was born and where Gerry taught at Garfield Elementary School.
The new family moved to Mt. Pleasant where her husband Karl finished his degree and two more of their children were born. In 1961 Karl’s new job in Social Services moved them to Gaylord where three more of their children were born.
In 1965 Gerry started the Physical Education program at St. Mary Schools. She continued taking graduate classes at night. Gerry started sports competitions between St. Mary and other northern Michigan schools in track, volleyball, and basketball. It started with just a couple of games a year until eventually a full schedule was developed.
She loves teaching and being with children, parents, and grandparents. She loved working at St. Mary Schools, especially when her children attended so they could be together.
Gerry always said, “Teaching is a great career for a woman because you have holidays, summers, and vacations free to be with your family.” Every summer a vacation was planned so her family could camp for a week in the Upper Peninsula. They hauled a boat and a tent and empty cans for frogs and snakes. They camped in a different area every summer and learned about the beauty and fun of Michigan’s U.P.
The David children loved sports and were good athletes at St. Mary’s. Gerry and Karl attended all the games and track meets their children participated in from 1970-1989. They continue to follow their games at the college level.
In 1989 Gerry became St. Mary’s Athletic Director and Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach. She coached all different ages and sports throughout the years. Gerry was also appointed to the Michigan High School Athletic Association Representative Council until she retired to spend more time with her husband in 1999.
Gerry and her husband achieved a great balance of their careers, home, family, and their social life. They especially enjoyed going to dances together.
Gerry and Karl T. had stayed connected through the years with high school and college friends and all the others along their life’s path.
Gerry loved people, loved to be with them, and always believed in the saying: “Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver, the other gold.”
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord, MI. Visitation will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home on Friday, September 8, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. St. Mary Altar Rosary Society will offer a Rosary at the funeral home on Friday evening (September 8th) at 6:00 p.m.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
24 comments on “Geraldine David”
Rest in peace Gerry….Now you and Karl can “cut a rug” together in heaven. You were an amazing lady and it was an honor to know you and walk a path of sadness with you.
God Bless You always
Connie Zaborowski
We are so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful written tribute to her life. Even us “kids” from other area schools knew who Mrs David was! Such an important part of high school athletics. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Gerry David is also survived by her six children: Karl J. David, Krescinthia David, Kurt (Tammie) David, Karie James, Kristine (Jim) Korpal, and Kyle (Christine) David, as well as her nine grandchild (LJ, Ryan, Sean, Lauren, Emma, Delaney, Owen, Kaden, and Kalianna).
My sincerest condolences to the entire David family on the loss of their Mother. I particularly reference, Karl David, my lifelong friend who worked tirelessly to take care of his Mom for many months and years. Very few adult men would have donated their lives to saving their Mother. He had many opportunities to give up but he didn’t. He carried on much longer than most would have. Karl, your Mother is in Heaven and at peace. While you have struggles ahead, rest assured that a loving God will likewise give you such a peace when it’s your time to have the angels lead you into paradise. Hail Mary Full Of Grace.
Thank you for adding all of Aunt Geraldine’s children’s, spouses’, and grandchildren’s names. I know The Lord and Uncle Rudy greeted her with open arms. My deepest sympathy to my David cousins.
Karie-so sorry to hear about your mom. I have some fond memories of her from track and volleyball.
She was a wonderful, giving lady. We were blessed to have worked with her, she was like family to us.
Dear David Family,
I hope this message finds you surrounded by love and support during this incredibly difficult time. I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved mother. Although I never had the privilege of meeting her, I can only imagine the immense impact she had on your life and the person you have become.
Losing a parent is an indescribable pain, and my heart aches for you and your family. Please know that I am here for you, ready to lend an ear or a shoulder to lean on whenever you need it. I understand that no words can truly alleviate the grief you are experiencing, but I want you to know that you are not alone in this journey of healing.
From the stories you have shared and the way you speak of her, it is evident that your mother was an extraordinary woman. Her love, kindness, and wisdom will forever be cherished in your heart and the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know her. Although I never had the opportunity to meet her, I feel as though I have through the beautiful memories you have shared.
During this time of mourning, it is important to remember that grief is a personal journey, and there is no right or wrong way to navigate through it. Allow yourself to feel every emotion, to reminisce about the precious moments you shared, and to find solace in the love and support of those around you.
Sending you my deepest condolences to Kurt and Kristine, love, and strength during this difficult time.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Yvette Abela
Dear Kris and siblings, very saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. Many thoughts and prayers for you all.
Geriann Cherwinski Ellison
How many lives has this lady touched, have many great memories of her interactions. May she rest in the arms of the lord.
My dear Mom wrote this, her own Obituary, exact copy as it is, twenty years ago. My good sister, Karie, posted the exact copy of what Mom wrote. Mom also started the Gaylord Saint Mary Football Team back in the mid 1960’s. Mom won many Awards over the years. Mom was a Saintly person who was kind, friendly, and happy throughout her resilent life. Thank You, Mom! We Love You!!!
I am saddened by Mrs David’s passing and my condolences and prayers for the David family! I have only fond memories of her as my athletic teacher!! Wonderful lady!!
Geraldine David wrote that, her own Obituary, herself. That is us the exact copy that Mom wrote. Mom also started the Gaylord Saint Mary Football Team 56 years ago. Geraldine “Gerry” David also won many Awards, had a friendly personality, and wonderful smile. She helped a lot of people and was very caring.
Dear Kurt, I am so sorry for the passing of your mom! I know you loved her dearly, now that she is in heaven all is clear to her! She will be missed dearly, but I am sure she is finally free to soar! Love, Tammy Seidell
God sees all!!!
Dear David Family, So sorry for your loss. Mrs. David was truly a special person and one I think of with fond memories. My deepest condolences.
Jan (Zamoyski) Wagner
Kurt and Family,
We all grew up with your Mom, She put her Heart and Soul into our School, She knew everyone by name, and was a wonderful person. Hugs and prayers during this difficult time.
Dear Kurt and Family, So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She touched the lives of countless young people in extremely positive ways.
What a wonderful legacy she left to her community!! My prayers are with you.
Gerry was our one-of-a-kind Snowbird. Her love of family, sport, coaching and cheering came naturally and poured forth effortlessly. Her smile was both her “hello” and “goodbye” to all those she met. She had the uncanny ability to know most of the students names, even after her AD days. Remarkable indeed was Gerry, and our family was blessed to make her acquaintance. Rest in his heavenly peace Gerry.
Thom & Erin Marquard and Sons
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Mrs. David made a difference in so many people’s lives. Mine was one of them.
My condolences to the whole David family. I have many happy childhood memories of Mrs David and the whole David family. Playing kickball, sleeping in tents, riding the horse, snowmobiling…. I know Mrs David is having coffee in heaven with my Mom and Velma.
Mrs David was always special to our family. I am glad she is at peace and with our Lord now.
Im so deeply sorry for your loss. Mrs. David was definitely one of my favorite people at St Mary’s. We reconnected when my kids were in elementary school and she came back and did recess aid. I’m sure she did more but when I volunteered for it we had many talks and I got to know her as an adult. She was a beautiful person. Always smiling and happy. Grateful I got to know her! Prayers for your family as you go through this most difficult time.
May Gods love comfort you in the days ahead.
The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
Psalms 34:18
I am so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. I had many interactions with her as my late husband taught 7th and 8th grade basketball
While our son attended St. Mary’s. Gerry was a very kind and good woman who had great passion. My condolences to the entire David family.
Christine Dorsten
Dear Kurt and family, So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She had a positive influence on countless lives and ALWAYS had a smile on her face. With teaching hundreds in gym class, coaching hundreds in after-school sports, raising a family (just to name a few), when did she sleep? God worked through your mom while she was on earth.