David Lee Gage

With heavy hearts and deep love, David Lee Gage, age 73, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, entered his peace on Saturday, March 7, 2026. David passed away of natural causes in his home, surrounded by his immediate family.

David graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1970 and attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College before later attending Western Michigan University. After many years of dedication to his career in marketing and sales at James River Corporation, Graphic Packaging, and Edward Rose, David retired in 2017.

David knew no strangers, as he was always willing to share a smile and greeting with all who passed him by. He lived a life marked by adventure, dedication, kindness, the constant crack of jokes, and a deep love for family, friends, his dogs, and the simple joys that make life meaningful. An avid cyclist, he traveled and camped throughout the nation, logging over one million miles on his bike, many of which were shared with his wife, Janell Anne.

He loved sports of all kinds, playing collegiate soccer at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. He also enjoyed baseball, basketball, cycling, and bowling throughout his life. David bowled two perfect 300 games and, in his prime, competed nationally. He could hold a sports conversation for hours and knew nearly every football statistic. 

At home, he enjoyed puzzles and had a room wallpapered with more than 150 completed puzzles. His yard was another reflection of his pride and care - there was never a weed to be found. During the holidays, his Christmas decorations even earned him awards for the joy and spirit they brought to the neighborhood. David also had a special place in his heart for dogs, especially his beloved standard poodle, Teka. He was known to buy dog treats just so he could share them with neighborhood dogs, bringing smiles not only to the animals but to their owners as well.

David appreciated good food - especially a great burger - but what mattered most to him was the company around the table. He believed that the best meals were those shared with laughter, stories, the occasional game, and the people you love.

Although David had many loves and passions, his greatest joy was found in his family, who were always at the heart of his world. David took immense pride in his children and grandchildren, and nothing made him happier than seeing them grow, laugh, and build lives of their own. He could often be found on the floor or outside, coaching, teaching, and cheering them on.

David was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Jean Gage; his father, Harold Richard Gage; his sister, Lynda Marie Hendrix; his mother-in-law, Evelyn Bromley; and his beloved dog, Teka. 

David is lovingly remembered and survived by his wife, Janell Anne Gage; his children, Ryan Gage and Danielle Spannagel (Adam); Janell Anne’s children, Kyle Mejeur (Whitney), and Courtney Cook (Cody); his siblings, Keith Gage (Tammy) and Kim Wynne (Mark); his grandchildren, Elliott, Olivia, Elena, Jeremiah, Samuel, Caleb, with a seventh grandchild expected in May 2026; As well as his nieces and nephew. 

Those who knew David will remember his steady presence, his determination, his humor, and his generous heart. He had a way of finding happiness in simple things—a long bike ride, a puzzle piece fitting into place, a dog wagging its tail, a yard perfectly kept, or a meal shared with family and friends that reflect the story of a life well lived.

A celebration of David’s life will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Agape Christian Church, 609 Cherokee Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49006. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and honor the life of a man who meant so much to so many.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the local Humane Society or the Kalamazoo Heart Institute in David’s name and honor.