David Frederick Gfeller

David Frederick Gfeller, 88, passed away September 20, 2021 at his home in Colfax. He was born July 27, 1933 in Spokane, WA to Fred and Elizabeth (Mettler) Gfeller. He was the youngest of three siblings, Barbara Gfeller and Mary (Gfeller) Stender. The family farmed near Ralston at the time where they stayed until he was four years old. The family purchased their current homestead in Steptoe in 1937. David attended schools at Steptoe and Firwood, graduating from LaConner in 1951. He turned down an offer to play basketball at Washington State University from Jack Friel and was shortly thereafter drafted by the United States Army. He went on to serve in Korea for two years. In 1956, he met Joanne Curtis at a Grange Hall dance in St. John. They were married November 3, 1957 in Malden. David and Joanne started farming at the family farm soon after. David loved farming, always one of the first of his neighbors to get going every spring, getting everyone excited. He was a true farmer and worked very hard for over 50 years, setting the best example for his family. He was still very interested in what was going on in the daily operations right up to the end. A good day was talking to the kids and going on a crop tour. We know he will continue this. We were so lucky. David and Joanne were blessed with 5 children; Steve (Jill) Gfeller, Lynn (Lisa) Gfeller, Stan (Lori) Gfeller, Anne (John) Nelson, and Jim (Marianne) Gfeller. They were blessed with 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, with number 13 on the way. He is also survived by a sister, Mary Stender of Cheney. He was preceded in death by his parents and by a sister, Sister Barbara Gfeller. There will be a funeral mass in Rosalia at Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 29, with a reception to follow at the church hall. The family suggests memorial be made to the Whitman Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be made at http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com. Bruning Funeral Home is caring for the family.