David Lee Gabert, Age: 71

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Jul 09, 1952---Aug 24, 2023

David Lee Gabert was born on July 9, 1952 to Harold Gabert and Anna Lee Schapaugh at Research Hospital in Kansas City, MO. Dave grew up mostly in the Kansas City area. He worked hard and played even harder, which his friends know all too well. He was the president of the American Subcontractors Association, was partial owner of Builders Steel, and worked for several years as a project manager for J.E. Dunn. He was the president of the Corvette Club and loved collecting cars. He earned the nickname “Crazy Dave” with those closest to him in his lake family and loved fishing and boating. He was an avid golfer and loved spending time with his golf buddies and their families. He never met a stranger and would give you the shirt off his back. If Dave wasn’t giving you a hard time, there was something wrong. He found his match in his wife, Jeanne, whom he loved almost as much as “Precious,” his ‘61 Corvette.

Dave will be missed by so many, and the outpouring of love from everyone has been overwhelming. He leaves behind the loveliest of loves, Aunt Marge. His son Shawn (Angie) and grandchildren Katie & Nathan. His sisters Debbie and Dayna (Brian), and many nieces, nephews, and greats.

Visitation will be held at Porter Funeral Home at 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS from 2-5 on Tuesday, August 29, with a celebration of life following at Tanners 12906 W. 87^th Street, Lenexa, KS 66215. Dave’s wishes included a party at the lake, which we are planning for July 6, 2024 to celebrate his 72nd birthday in style. More details to come!

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Down Syndrome Innovations in Mission, KS in honor of Dave’s friend Darrell and his Grandson Morty. Home | Down Syndrome Innovations (kcdsi.org)

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Jim Mantel Aug 26, 2023

Our golf group will never be the same, Dave was loved not just by us but everyone at the club. I sent a couple of photos from one of our Myrtle beach trips, in the photo of Dave hitting out of the sand, before turning his back Dave said “I’ll keep my eye on the ball, you keep your eye on that Gator!” 😁

Reg & Brenda Campbell Aug 26, 2023

Friend ,Pearl ,Illinois

There are no words to express our sadness. We❤️ Crazy Dave! Reg won’t have anyone to argue with now 😘😘. We’ll have a “Woodford” shot for him 🥃 Your in our prayers Jeanne 🙏🏻❣️

rick henderson Aug 26, 2023

Friend ,Pekin ,Illinois

Dave will be missing by many❤️He was always the life of the party. Godspeed Brother! Glory Days Band

Mary Shanahan Aug 26, 2023

Jeanne I am so sorry for your loss. Dave was so great. I’m very happy you got married. What great memories you have. Prayers and hugs.

Raquel Kroencke Aug 26, 2023

Friend ,Quincy ,Illinois

I’m so sorry Jeanne. Thinking of you and sending prayers and hugs!!!

Bob Winke Aug 26, 2023

Neighbor

So sorry for your loss Jeanne. I hope all of your great memories with Dave will help you through this difficult loss.

Margie & Bruce Dercher Aug 27, 2023

friend ,Weatherby Lake ,Missouri

Deepest Sympathies' to Jeanne & Family. I find comfort in this poem when life doesn't make sense. Dave will be missed. Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in heaven, where the love of our lost one pours through and shines down upon us to let us know their souls are at peace Eskimo legend

Cam and Ann Ator Aug 27, 2023

Friend ,Lake St Louis ,Missouri

Never a time Dave didn't ask "How things are going" which showed how much of a people person he always was. Will cherish chats on the dock, by the pool, and memorable get togethers. We consider ourselves very blessed to have had Dave as part of our Windgate family. So many wonderful memories that will be cherished forever. We will miss you always!

Mary and Ed Wise Aug 27, 2023

Friends ,Gallatin ,Tennessee

Jeanne, Ed and I are so sorry to hear about Dave. Life is so fragile and precious. Love, Ed and Mary

Rick and Susan Reiss Aug 27, 2023

Friend ,St. Louis ,Missouri

Dave and Jeanne were one of the first to welcome us to the Windgate family. We have so many wonderful memories and there was never a dull moment with our beloved Crazy Dave! We will miss him terribly. Jeanne we hope you can find some comfort in knowing the smiles and laughter he brought to so many and in knowing we will all be there for you during this difficult time. We love you ??! Rick, Susan, Lauren and Amanda

Darrel Yaktine Aug 27, 2023

Lifelong Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

A friendship for a lifetime! I have known Dave Gabert (we always called him Gabe) since third grade. We were able to stay in contact with each other since the day we met. It is seldom that a friendship like this comes along, not to mention that this one stood the test of time. Gabe is one of those guys that knows everybody, and everyone knows him. He never knew a stranger and was the most personable guy I have ever known. His favorite statement before any party was, “I would like to apologize now, for anything that I might do later”. If you knew Gabe, he had a good reason for saying that. Gabe never missed a gathering, whether it was camping on the weekend and hanging out by the campfire, a trip to Silver Sands with all our friends and kids, to wondering what the heck he might come dressed as to our annual Halloween party. Our family Christmas Eve’s will never be the same with him missing. His presence was something that our family looked forward to every year because he was family. Gabe never failed at entertaining everyone in the room and always kept us all laughing. Our kids have known him since the day they were born. They remember cruising on his boat, fishing with him, celebrating holidays and just hanging out. I still can hear him saying, “I would like to apologize now for anything that I might do later.” So Gabe, I most certainly “Accept” your apology. It has been an honor to know and love you, and to share a lifetime friendship with one of the greatest guys I know. I will miss you dearly… Darrel

Darrel and Patti Yaktine Aug 27, 2023

Lifelong Friends ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dear Jeannie, Darrel and I do not have words to express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. We are so very grateful that Gabe brought you into our lives. Hold close to your heart all the memories you shared. Prayers for you and all the family and friends that knew and loved him.

Todd & Sara Stych Aug 27, 2023

Friends ,Sunrise Beach, MO ,Missouri

Sara and I have only been residents at Windgate for a little over a year, but Dave always brought a smile to our face's. So engaging, so sarcastic in the best way, yet a true professional when dealing with our complex! A good man who will be missed! We were happy to know him if only for a short time. Thoughts and prayers to Jeanne and Dave's loved ones and friends.

John and Sue Garnett Aug 27, 2023

We are thinking of you and wishing you strength and courage. I remember the day Dave proposed to you over at Bear Bottom and what a happy time and celebration it was. He will be missed by all of the lake group.

Aneta Salmons Aug 28, 2023

Long friend of Jeanne ,Blue springs ,Missouri

So very sorry for your loss

John Prouty Aug 28, 2023

“Old Friend” “Someone who no matter how long it’s been since you’ve seen them, they always make you feel like it was just yesterday.” I lost an “Old Friend” this week. I met Dave about 40 years ago in the Builders association’s Men’s bowling league. Oh, the times we had and the triple Kamikaze’s we consumed (I think Dave invented that term). Along with the Dancing at American Bandstand after bowling. The bowling trips to Springfield, the trips to Vegas where I watched him get trip deuces three times in a row. The man held the attention of the entire back half of an airplane as he told his famous “I like the way you think joke”. Poker nights with Dave were always a hoot. I was able to play golf with Dave and the guys for the last time a few weeks ago and enjoyed it tremendously. Dave had asked me to go with him to the Ottawa car show next month and I was looking forward to going even though he owned a Vette and not a Chevelle. So, to all my Old Friends, Life is short stay in touch and always remember the good times and the memories together.

Merlin and Lauri Eisenberg Aug 28, 2023

friend ,Quincy ,Illinois

Windgate will never be the same. Crazy Dave brought so much fun and laughter to the lake! Whether it be at the pool, on the dock, at our coveouts,or condo parties, Dave was always the life of the party. I will forever miss him yelling up to our condo from his deck, "Lauri, are you up there?" Then it wouldn't be long, and he would be walking through our door ready to do a "12 Foot Beard shot with Merlin! Jeanne, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Dave was the best, and we are truly blessed to have known such a fun, loving, caring man. Hugs and prayers to you in the days ahead.

Ron & Barbara Bruce Aug 28, 2023

We will cherish memories of Dave at his best-on Builder's Steel Canoe trips and all the times with CCKC! Our son's knew "Uncle Dave' as a big teaser, usually with a beer in hand. It was wonderful to have known him.

Eric & Rhonda Hughlett Aug 28, 2023

Friends of Brian & Dayna Riggs ,Raymore ,Missouri

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We are earnestly praying that God will give you His strength and His peace today and the coming days ahead. Love and Prayers, Eric & Rhonda Hughlett

Limo Doug Aug 28, 2023

friend ,Eden Prairie ,Minnesota

I will never forget Sea Ray , I was introduced through other friends at the lake. Dave was a hoot to say the least, always making sure we all had fun! I will cherish the time I was lucky enough to spend with Dave and Jeannie!

Karla King Aug 28, 2023

Friend/former coworker ,Kansas City ,Missouri

To Jeanie and the rest of David’s family -my deepest sympathy! I am so happy I got to see and visit with him in June. David taught me everything I know about estimating steel and communicating with customers -I would not be where I am today with his guidance and knowledge. I had tremendous respect for him -I am going to miss David! I am sorry I won’t be able to make the visitation -I am on vacation this week, but I am thinking of you all.

Mary Sue Hudson Aug 29, 2023

Friend ,Nichols ,Iowa

I just found out of this very sad news! Dave for the short time that Casey and I got to know you we grew to love the person you were. We will cherish all the memories we have with both you and Jeanne. We are sending love and hugs to your family, R.I.P. dear sweet friend.