PUYALLUP — Father David J. Gese died July 22, 2024, at his home at The Rivers in Puyallup. He was 73.

Born Nov. 8, 1950, in Everett, he was one of three sons of Peter and Marie (Arntz) Gese. He attended Monroe Elementary School before his family moved to the Eastside, where they became members of Holy Family Parish in Kirkland.

He entered St. Edward Seminary in 1965 and completed his studies for the priesthood at St. Thomas Seminary in 1977. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in English and Master of Divinity from St. Thomas. On April 30, 1977, he was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen at Holy Family Church in Kirkland.

His first assignment was as associate pastor of St. Rose de Viterbo Parish in Longview. He was there when Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, and the assignment allowed the young priest to give meaningful care to many Cowlitz County residents displaced by the destruction. He went on to serve as associate pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish in Everett and Holy Trinity Parish in Bremerton.

In 1985, he took on his first assignment as a pastor at St. Mary Parish in Seaview. He was there for three years before becoming pastor at Visitation Parish in Tacoma, and then at St. Joseph Parish in Elma and St. John Mission in Montesano from 2000 to 2011.

Facing health challenges, Father Gese stepped away from leading a parish, but he provided sacramental support to parishes in Tacoma and at Holy Trinity in Bremerton. He retired from ministry in 2022.

Father Gese was known for wearing his emotions on his sleeve. Friends and parishioners said he was kind, open, generous and avoided conflict. His sense of humor and joy could disarm and put those in his care at ease.   

An avid reader, he was a fan of Father Richard Rohr’s writings. He loved electronics, often being the first to use new gadgets. His “Holy Trailer” at Lake Cushman was his place of retreat and renewal. He relished his time with Boy Scout Troop 10 at Visitation Parish and enjoyed dining out with friends. Parishioners recall his love for the dogs who accompanied him over the years. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Marty. He is survived by his brother Joe, cousin John, nephews, nieces and many cousins.

A vigil will begin at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Church of the Visitation in Tacoma. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Aug. 19 at Holy Trinity Church in Bremerton. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

Interment will be at 2 p.m. Aug. 19 at Calvary Cemetery in Tacoma.