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David Green Obituary
David Arthur Green died Monday, March 3, 2014 in his home surrounded by his family and friends. David was born on July 12, 1938 in Fort Madison, Iowa to Florence and Clifton Green. David was the youngest of three boys. Meeting his wife, Vernita, at the University of Colorado Wesley Foundation started them on a journey of 51 1/2 years together.
David began his career as an architectural engineer, changed to the field of aging, and was always thankful for how his architectural background was useful in his work. One of David's joys was to be a part of new, innovative thinking in the field of aging and to work with the pioneers in his field. His work experience included administration, development, and support for long term care facilities. He retired in 2005 after 29 years of service at Evergreen Retirement Community. His retirement years were spent as Director of Conceptual Planning and Development with China Senior Care to develop the first household model nursing home of its kind in China.
David's greatest joy was his family: Vernita, son, Brian Green, daughters, Sarah (Jim) Wright, Rachel (Rod) Soto, and Sheilah (Sam) Vorpahl. He treasured the relationships with his four children as well as his grandchildren - Jesse, Stephen, David, Austin, Emma, Joseph, Olivia, Cana and Selah whose words, songs, and pictures lit up his eyes until moments before his death. David's family also includes: brothers, Clif (Barbara) and Dick (Sue) Green and their families; brother-in-law, Don Haas, sister-in-law, Kay Haas and their families.
David and Vernita's home was open to many exchange students, missionaries, and business friends from many countries, many of whom became like family. From those relationships David became known as "Dad" and "American Granddad".
David was a big supporter of Vernita's interest in family history from which much joy and sense of family has been derived. David will be buried in the cemetery with many of Vernita's family in Whitewood, South Dakota.
The family has set up the David A. Green Memorial Fund, with the Wisconsin Conference United Methodist Church Foundation.
David's memorial service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, 761 Florida Avenue, Oshkosh, WI, beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 with a fellowship time until the service begins at 3 p.m.
David's greatest accomplishment was the personal impact he made on individual lives. He lived out Galatians 6:9-10, So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up, so then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for the family of faith.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Green
Dan Levitt
September 8, 2014
I only lerned of David's passing today and I am shocked to have lost a great leader in the seniors care sector. He was a mentor to many and created a legacy in elder care that will have influence in the sector for many years to come both in North America and globally. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
B. Sridhar
May 17, 2014
I had known David for the past 27 years and had fun working with him whether it was presentations for AHSA or WAHSA or strategic planning for SAGE. He was a man with infectious energy and many innovative ideas. My highest regards to a man who never stopped thinking how he could improve the last phase of life both in quality and dignity. Good Bye, my friend! Thanks for the friendship.
Steve Orfield
April 14, 2014
Vernita,
I just heard of David's passing today in talking with one of his many friends. I was very pleased to get to meet David when you both visited the Lab in Minneapolis. You were both wonderfully curious and energetic. I'm saddened by your loss, and I'm certain that he's left a strong legacy of caring.
Julielynn Belon
March 28, 2014
Vernita, David was my favorite speaker of all time, kind, kindhearted... not only a great speaker but a kind and wonderful person.
Beth Kuzbek
March 13, 2014
David,
Thank you for all you have done for Seniors and the Design community in helping us all become better advocates.
Your passion was infectious and lit a fire in many of us to follow in you great footprints. Big shoes to fill indeed. Rest in Peace my Friend. Beth
Lissa Rolenc, ASID
March 12, 2014
David taught me so much in senior living. He was always active and taking on his next project. You will be missed.
Peggy K @ Sharehaven
March 11, 2014
So very sorry to hear of David's passing. What an extremely compassionate and wonderful man.Knew him from Evergreen Retirement Community. David knew every staff member by name and would always have a sincere smile for you.
March 11, 2014
To Vernita and family: We were out of the country until Sun. and were saddened to hear of David's death. David lived out his faith to the fullest and we have been honored that you and David have shared your lives with us. David left an incredible legacy. Friends forwarded David's obituary to us. What a tribute to him and the perfect scripture at the end. You are in our thoughts and prayers and share your sorrow in his death. Bob & Julie Reinke
Alan/Marilyn Irving
March 10, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. David was a good Rotarian friend and very supportive to our 2 generations of Evergreen residents.
He will be remembered fondly.
March 8, 2014
Dear Vernita and Rachel and family,
Heard about this via Bryon Hochstein on facebook. Our sympathies are with you and your family.
Scott and Anne Ney
Jean Ehnert Nicholas
March 8, 2014
Our sincere sympathy to the entire Green family. David was a passionate man of faith. He shared that passion with the Foundation staff through his passion for the various Health and Welfare ministries throughout the Wisconsin Annual Conference. He will be missed and his legacy will continue through the ministry fund we are privileged to help the family establish in his name. Blessings and prayers as you, the family, journey through these difficult days.
Kay Radank
March 7, 2014
Dear Green Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Greens passing. I am a former employee of Evergreen. He always spoke to each of us by name and was so gracious to everyone. May you be comforted by the remarkable legacy he leaves. I will pray for Gods comfort for all of you.
In Christs love...
Cara Bricco
March 7, 2014
My condolences to the whole family. He was truly a great man and will be missed.
Karen Smith And Family
March 7, 2014
Dearest Rachel & Family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you all in celebrating this incredible man's life and in morning your loss. May you all be blessed with sweet smiles, warm hugs and the good Lord's comforting shoulder.
Rosalie Kane
March 7, 2014
David was a visionary--and a person who applied his vision--the wonderful setting at Evergreen which has "wowed" so many people is part of that application. He contributed so much to the advancement of our collective thinking about long-term care settings and services. I knew David professionally and will miss his insights and thoughtfullness. In my own work, I particularly appreciated his service on an advisory panel that we organized at University of Minnesota. I was shocked and saddened to learn of his deaht--just a few minutes ago. To David's family, my sincere condolences. He will be remembered with respect and affectionby many people around the country.
steve vickman
March 7, 2014
David was a wonderful man who will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.
March 7, 2014
We feared this was coming as we did not receive the habitual Christmas letter from Vernita at NewYear. We keep good memories from the time David and Vernita paid us a visit i Denmark. Our sincere condolences to Vernita and Family from family Drube in Copenhagen
Karen Bowen
March 6, 2014
What a legacy he leaves!
Susan Begley
March 6, 2014
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Julie Zuleger
March 6, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to Vernita and family. I will forever be grateful to David for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Evergeen Retirement Community family - as a student and then as a member of his management team. I learned so much during my 11 years working with him. Rest is peace David.
Deborah Thompson
March 6, 2014
I had the opportunity to work with David Green for 4 years as the staff person for Health and Welfare Ministries. David was very dedicated to this ministry and was always looking for ways to promote and share the great ways in which H&W connected people to God's love and care. You will be missed .
Mary Ann Kehoe
March 6, 2014
David was a visionary with a huge heart. His contributions to the field of elder care were too numerous to list. I especially enjoyed working beside David as co-founders of the Wellspring movement for elders in long term care. I will miss you David, now it's time to finally rest. MAK
Robyn Stone
March 6, 2014
He will be missed in the aging services community. David was a true pioneer. I always enjoyed chatting with him about new models and ideas for successful aging in community. He was a pragmatic idealist--my kind of person!
Kate Kaiser
March 6, 2014
My condolences to Mr Greens family. He has joined his Savior now, so we can take comfort in that fact! I was blessed to know him as an employee of his at Evergreen and was always very impressed by the way that he treated all of us. He will surely be missed by many.
Louise Koehler
March 6, 2014
I knew "Mr. Green" as an employee at Evergreen and also knew "David" as a friend after he retired.Always very mannerly and thoughtful towards all of us. A pleasure and honor to know David
David Washkoviak
March 6, 2014
David Green was a fantastic man. I enjoyed getting to know him in Rotary and was always impressed with his positive outlook and personality. God's Peace and Blessings~ I know he'll be missed.
Pam Pawlak
March 6, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the family of David Green. I sang with David in the Oshkosh Choraliers and admired how he could dance. What a wonderful person he was. May he rest in peace! God bless you. Pam Pawlak
Judy Holmes
March 6, 2014
My heartfelt condolences for the family of Mr. Green. His energy & smile made me enjoy working under his direction at Evergreen Retirement Community. He was a bright spot in this world.. Rest in peace... David Green.
Rob and Nancy Marnocha
March 6, 2014
Vernita and family,
Our sincerest condolences to you in this time of loss. David loved his family well, something which you can look back on fondly.
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