Dave Gatschenberger, of Mountain Grove, Missouri, son of the late Otto Joseph Gatschenberger and Margaret Elizabeth (Lockhart) Gatschenberger, was born on September 6, 1947, in Springfield, Illinois. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 16, 2024, at his home in Mountain Grove, Missouri. He was 76 years of age. He left behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
Dave lived a great life and lived life on his own terms. After serving in the United States Navy, he pursued a fulfilling career that included owning Dave’s Lake in Glenarm, Illinois. He took great pride in providing a space where people could enjoy fishing and enjoy the outdoors as he did. Additionally, in Illinois, Dave worked in road construction for several years where he made many great friends.
A true outdoorsman at heart, Dave found solace and joy in nature. He spent countless hours caring for his property in the beautiful Missouri surroundings he called home for the last 24 years. His deep love for hunting and fishing shone through as he shared this passion with his family and friends, creating lasting memories that will be treasured forever.
Besides his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his five siblings, Otto Gatschenberger, Robert Gatschenberger, Clara Steingraber, Margaret “Peggy” Delonis, and Mary Beaver.
Dave’s warm and caring nature extended to his role as a father and grandfather. He was a pillar of strength for his surviving family members: his life partner, Brenda Smith of Mountain Grove, Missouri; his son, Daniel Gatschenberger of Dawsonville, Georgia; daughter, Cher Smith of Springfield, Illinois; grandchildren, Brian Gatschenberger of Jasper, Georgia, Devin Smith of Pawnee, Illinois, Daniel Smith of Peoria, Illinois, and Stacey Garoutte of Divernon, Illinois; as well as great-grandchild, Emia Garoutte. Dave also loved the Richardson family dearly.
In his final moments surrounded by loved ones, Dave departed peacefully from this world but left behind an enduring legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
