Daniel E. Gelatt

Dr. Daniel E. Gelatt went to be with his Lord on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at the age of 93, peacefully surrounded by his family at home.

Dan was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and spiritual shepherd to many. Known for his sacrificial love and deep, heart-centered conversations, Dan poured his whole self into every task – whether building a church or a tree stand. His hands were always busy, but his heart was always available.

Born on April 17, 1932, in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, Dan was raised in a family deeply committed to ministry. His early years were shaped by his parents' missionary work among pioneer settlers in Saskatchewan. It was during his childhood that Dan placed his faith in Jesus Christ – a commitment that would shape the course of his entire life. The family later moved to Michigan, where Dan graduated from Central Lake High School in 1951. He continued his education at Baptist Bible College & Seminary (BBCS) in Johnson City, New York.

While at BBCS, Dan met and married Joyce E. Miller of Traverse City, Michigan. Together, they built a life and ministry, welcoming four children – Dan Jr. (1953), Phil (1957), Drew (1959) and Lois (1961). Joyce was Dan's faithful partner in ministry until her passing in 1996 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Dan's pastoral ministry spanned over five decades. He began at West Smyrna Baptist Church in Smyrna, New York (1954–1959), then moved to First Baptist Church in Horseheads, New York (1959–1968). In 1968, he accepted the call to First Baptist Church of Elkhart, Indiana, where he served as senior pastor until 1986. It was in Elkhart that all four of his children graduated from high school, and the church became a place of deep roots and lasting relationships.

In addition to his local church ministry, Dr. Gelatt served on the boards of Baptist Bible College and the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE). He also chaired multiple leadership councils, including the Council of 18 for the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches (GARBC), reflecting his heart for church leadership and global missions.

After his time in Elkhart, Dan served as assistant to the president of ABWE and later pastored Washington Heights Baptist Church in Dayton, OH (1989–1995). In 1997, he married Sharon (Weesner), with whom he shared the remaining years of his life. Dan returned to ABWE in the same leadership role until retiring in 2004. Even in retirement, Dan remained active, serving as interim pastor at Bethesda Baptist (IN), Porter Baptist (MI), and Calvary Baptist (Elkhart), as well as continuing to mentor and counsel church leaders across the country.

Dan never truly retired from ministry. Whether through phone calls, emails, or handwritten notes, he stayed engaged with pastors, missionaries, and friends, offering wisdom, encouragement, and prayer. He was just as likely to be found in a deer stand as he was in a deep theological discussion – always hunting for God's truth and for souls in need of Christ.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon; his children Dan Jr. (Cheryl), Phil (Carol Elise), Drew (Marilyn), and Lois (Carl); 13 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. His life was a living testimony of his love for Jesus Christ, his unwavering commitment to family, and his pastoral heart for thousands. The legacy of "Pastor Gelatt" will continue to inspire and guide for generations to come.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Baptist Church of Elkhart on Saturday, Oct. 11. Fellowship with the family will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be designated to First Baptist Church to support their missions ministry – continuing Dan's passion for spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth.