David Joseph Gurney

David Joseph Gurney

April 9, 1935 – February 20, 2023

VISITATION: Friday, February 24th, 5pm, with 7pm VIGIL at West Center Chapel.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, February 25th, 10am at St. Cecilia Cathedral, 701 N. 40th St. Interment: Calvary Cemetery.

To view a live broadcast of the Vigil and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Cecilia’s Cathedral or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.


Dave was born in Sioux City, IA, and grew up in Fremont, NE. He spent his childhood summers in Sioux City working on his aunt and uncle’s farm. He attended Benedictine College and then served in the US Army for several years. He met the love of his life, Helga Grunewald, while stationed in Darmstadt, Germany. They married and moved back to the U. S. with their children, first stopping in Fort Gordon, GA, then their final hometown of Omaha.

He was passionate about his faith and helping others in need. Dave was proud to be ordained in the first class of 16 Deacons in 1973. As Deacon, he served the St. Cecilia’s Cathedral parish proudly and with honor for over 40 years. He also taught CCD and Baptism classes and spent countless hours volunteering for St. Vincent de Paul and visiting the sick.

Dave enjoyed dinners with family and travels to Germany with Helga to visit relatives and explore the beautiful country. He was a loving and devoted husband to Helga for 58 years. And an incredible father to their 8 children. His strong faith in God and kind heart set a wonderful example for them to follow. Dave worked for many years and retired from Lucent Technologies as a Communications Supervisor.

Preceded in death by parents, Theodore and Ariel Gurney: spouse, Helga Gurney: son, Harry Gurney: sister, Joan O’Brien (Richard).

Survived by children: Rita Gurney, Elfie Wade, Thomas Gurney (Mary), Cathleen Mayer, Patricia Helms, Ann Moeschler (Pat), Clare Connelly (Tim); daughter-in-law, Catherine Gurney; 21 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings: Sue Karpf (Fred), Paul Gurney (Mary).

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to all the loving caregivers at Country House Elkhorn and St. Croix Hospice.

 

15 Comments

  • Georgine and Ron Napurano Posted February 21, 2023 4:25 pm

    The loss of a parent is so significant no matter the length of time they are with us. You all belong to a big beautiful Family and I hope you find Love, Comfort and Strength in all the beautiful memories you have had with him.
    XOXO

  • Nancy Hays Posted February 21, 2023 4:47 pm

    Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your Father. He served the Lord throughout his lifetime so I pray that God will comfort your family and fill your hearts with a sense of peace and joy knowing he is finally home and reunited with your Mom.

  • Diana Failla Posted February 21, 2023 4:50 pm

    My husband and I have been long time friends of Dave and Helga. She is sorely missed, as will be Dave now. Helga and Dave Gurney. Two of the most loving and lovely friends we have ever known. We are forever blessed and honored to have had them in our lives. They will be forever remembered in our hearts. ❤️

  • David and Debra Gurney (Detroit) Posted February 21, 2023 5:02 pm

    We will light a candle for him when we go to mass tomorrow night. Be comforted; he is safely with the Lord and those he loves!

  • Heidi Beneduce Posted February 21, 2023 8:59 pm

    Sending my deepest condolences to you Patty and your entire family. We will keep you in our prayers. Heidi

  • Bill Agnew Posted February 22, 2023 7:22 am

    My deepest condolences , Dave served Country,Family and God. What a wonderful humble man who made the world a better place. Enjoy Heaven my friend ❤️

  • Mark Dekker Posted February 22, 2023 9:54 am

    Please accept my sympathies at the loss of Dave. I had to opportunity to meet and talk with Dave many times while my mom was also at Country House. He sat by the front desk often and always wanted to help in any way he could. Obviously, I did not know him in his earlier years, but he certainly came across as an extremely nice man and was always willing to sit and have a visit. The illness he suffered from is not always kind to the patient or their family. May God’s comfort be with you and may Dave enjoy the reunion with those who went before him as well as his eternal reward.

  • Lynn Hollahan Posted February 22, 2023 10:14 am

    Sending healing prayers to this beautiful family Meeting Dave and hearing his stories has been a gift to me. Such a bright light in this world. Off to new adventures.

  • Margaret Medeiros Posted February 22, 2023 12:58 pm

    Our condolences to the Gurney family from the Medeiros family. We hold you all in thoughts and prayers. Praying for peace and comfort. Many blessings, Theresa Medeiros & family

  • Colleen White Posted February 22, 2023 2:45 pm

    My parents Dick and Patti Barrett always spoke of your dad with such high regard. Sympathy and prayers on your loss. He was a good man and faithful servant. Colleen Barrett White CGS 83 CHS 87

  • Debbie (Brich) and John Bame Posted February 22, 2023 4:42 pm

    Wishing the Gurney family peace during this very difficult time. Love and prayers.

  • Mary Lorenz Posted February 23, 2023 10:21 pm

    My deepest sympathy to the family.. I was a teacher at Cathedral for seven years and a member of the parish. He was one of the first deacons I had experienced in my faith. Such a kind man and loving husband and father. Mary Rickert Lorenz

  • Catherine Gurney Posted February 24, 2023 2:15 pm

    David will be missed for his sense of humor, kindness and generosity. He was always my “go to”person whenever I was in need of guidance. He was loved and will be dearly missed.
    ~Catherine

  • Trina Gurney Posted February 25, 2023 11:18 am

    sending love and prayer

  • susan McCrary Posted March 1, 2023 1:27 pm

    I am so grateful to have met the man I think of as “Patty’s Dad.” Knowing what I know about Patty and her siblings I cannot imagine a more gentle,kind and honorable individual .His presence will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on through all those he left behind. His tribute says it all.

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