David Dave Gutshall

The family of David William "Dave" Gutshall, of Newville, PA, is saddened to announce his passing at age 75, on May 6th, 2025. Dave passed away peacefully at his home with his wife and family at his side. He was born on December 9th, 1949, in Carlisle, PA, to the late Elwood R. and Edna Mary (Chestnut) Gutshall Sr. and was raised on their farm in Lower Mifflin Township. He delivered his first Holstein calf when he was only 8 years old.
Dave was a 1969 graduate of Big Spring High School. During school, he played football as a lineman for the Big Spring High School Bulldogs for 3 years, and wrestled heavyweight for 3 years, winning three sectional championships. After high school, Dave furthered his wrestling career at Trinidad State College, Trinidad, Colorado. After missing his family and working on the family farm, he returned home to begin managing the farm with his father. Dave worked on the dairy farm with his father, family, and friends, milking over 200 head of cows. He stayed on the dairy farm caring for his father, mother, and Auntie until they passed. He fostered stewardship for farming with dedication to improving livestock and agricultural techniques. He was a progressive farmer who experimented with crop rotation and new farming methods, planting and harvesting the fields to provide a more natural feed for the animals he tended. Indeed, Dave valued farming and dearly loved his family.
Indeed, he was dedicated to his family and community. He served on the Big Spring High School Board for over twenty years. During his service, he helped oversee the building projects of the current high school and sporting complexes. Dave always advocated for all Big Spring students to celebrate their varying accomplishments and interests. He proudly shared news of Big Spring students participating in all activities associated with being a Bulldog, such as VO-TECH, Athletics, FFA, and Professional Internships. He also coached football and wrestling in the Big Spring School District.
Dave was also an avid hunter; he spent countless hours with family and friends venturing as far as Alaska, New Mexico, Kansas, Iowa, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania hunting. Dave remained close to his high school and hunting buddies.
In 2009, Dave married the love of his life, Donna Reed. They blended their families in a loving environment and believed one of their greatest gifts from God was their grandchildren. Their grandchildren richly blessed them. Dave deeply loved his children, grandchildren, siblings, and entire family.
Dave was preceded in death by his sisters - Barbara A. Cline and Margaret C. Gilliam, his brother, Elwood R. Gutshall Jr., and several nephews.
Dave is survived by his wife, Donna (Reed) Gutshall, his sisters – Sandra L. Gutshall, Nena E. Chapman, Annette L. Gutshall, and brother-in-law, William (Rick) Gilliam. Additionally, he is survived by his son, Nathaniel R. Gutshall & daughter-in-law, Carrie Jean (Sponenberg), grandchildren - Leah Jean & fiance Jordan Sowers, Molly Barbara, Kathryn Irene, and Jack David; his son, Shawn M. Gutshall & daughter-in-law, Michelle Renea (Clouser), and grandchildren - Blake William, and Ashtyn Renea; his stepson, Zachary H. E. Reed, & fiance Jessica Howe, grandchildren Rodney Eugene, Esther Marie, Jake Maurice, and step grandchildren-Jeremiah LeCrone and Heaven Ramirez.
All will greatly miss David. He battled the fight with cancer for several years and has received ultimate healing by the grace of God.
The family of David W. Gutshall is starting a memorial fund to honor David, "I Bleed Maroon and Gold. Please send memorial contributions to the David W. Gutshall Memorial Fund," P.O. Box 93, Newville, PA 17241, which will provide an annual scholarship to a Big Spring senior.
Family and friends are invited to join us for "A Celebration of Life" Service, which will be held on May 27th at 4 PM at the Doubling Gap Center, Camp YoliJwa 1550 Doubling Gap Road Newville.