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David Studebaker Obituary
On Dec. 12, 2013, David H. Studebaker passed away peacefully, at the age of 94. He lived his entire adult life in the San Francisco and Pennisula Area. Born in Shideler, Indiana, he grew up in the Midwest, moving to Modesto, CA. in the '30's. He earned his Bachelor's at LaVerne College in So. Calif., and his Master's of Divinity at the University of Chicago and Bethany Seminary.
In the 1940's and early 50's David was pastor of the San Francisco Church of the Brethren, on 34th Avenue. He married Mary Esbensen and they had 3 children. Then in 1954 David earned his teaching Certificate. He taught Social Studies at Capuchino High School, San Bruno, where later he became Dean of Boys. During the '60's he became the Principal of Crestmoor High, San Bruno. Eventually he returned to teaching, working at Burlingame High where he received the "Teacher of the Year". While at Capachino, he married Helen Logsdon Lee, remaining married until her passing in 2008.
David and Helen loved the theater, symphony, and opera. They hosted many friends at their home. David also enjoyed tennis and helped organize matches. They were consummate international travelers and tour leaders for students in the AIFS program to Europe.
David was known as kind, thoughtful, and fun-loving. He will be deeply missed by many. His brother George preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister Gwen, his 3 children: Sharon, Paul, Dennis; and Grandchildren: Elaine, Justin, Mollie, David.
Those who knew David are invited to his Life Celebration: Sunday, Jan 19, 2014, 1-3 pm at the Magnolia of Millbrae, 201 Chadbourne Ave., Millbrae, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Studebaker
Sandy Kelly Glover
December 27, 2023
Someone you could really trust!
Bob and Sharon (Davey) Youngs
July 15, 2018
Pastor David was our pastor in the early 50's in SF and married us in 1953. What a wonderful ma
January 19, 2014
Definitely one of the good guys!
Roy Hyer
Crestmorr 1966
Jim Babcock
January 17, 2014
As students we rarely think of our teachers & administrators as major influences in our life until we become adults and reflect back on our younger years.
Mr. Studebaker was one of those influences.
As I remember he was strong but fair & fortunately I never had to sit on the other side of his desk!
As a member of the Class of '66 from Crestmoor High School we were all new to the brand new high school and had the honor of selecting school colors, selecting a mascot, building academic & athletic teams and setting traditions.
Mr. Studebaker was our Principal and together we all became a part of the expedition that was Crestmoor High School and he was a superb leader of that expedition.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all those that he influenced.
Sandy Kelly Glover
January 14, 2014
I attended his church at grammer school age. Remember he delivered wonderful inspiring sermons. Mentioned his passing to people from the neighborhood that remember him, too
Colleen Long
January 13, 2014
He was my teacher also and I appreciated him. So good to know he had such a rewarding long life.
Bless him,
Colleen , "Stretch",Long
Class of 1958
Mike Taylor
January 13, 2014
Mr. Studebaker was my favorite teacher even though I only had one class with him. I can't remember now if it was US History or US Government, please forgive the senior moment Mr. Studebaker :-), but he made a rather dull subject come alive in the classroom.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Mike Taylor - Class of '60
Jeanette Vonnegut Neikirk
January 12, 2014
Mr. Studebaker was one of my teachers at Capuchino High School - class of 1958. He will forever be known for his kindness. My condolences to his family.
Patricia Morales/Norman
January 11, 2014
I had this wonderful teacher for Driver's Ed. What a patient man. We are all so fortunate to be able to say we knew him. Capuchino Class of '58
Raymond Oeverndiek
January 9, 2014
As Dean of Boys, I saw Dave a few times. He was always fair. Sorry for your lose. It looks like he had a great and long life. '62
Raymond Oeverndiek
January 9, 2014
As Dean of Boys, I saw him a few times in his office. He was always fair. Sorry for your lose. It looks like he had a great life.
January 6, 2014
He was definitely one of the star faculty recruited when Capuchino was established and contributed to the sparkling education offered there.
Karen Hannon Ligouri
January 6, 2014
My father, Jim Hannon, also an educator and from Millbrae used to play tennis with Dave. He always had wonderful stories to tell about him.
Marjorie Mandley Wass CAP - Class '60
Marjorie Mandley Wass
January 4, 2014
What memories this picture brings forth. Mr. Studebaker, what a fantastic career that has touched so many as young people. This was a teacher that cared. You knew it and felt it.
January 4, 2014
Mr. Studebaker removed me from the second head football coach position at Crestmoor. It gave me time to build a winning wrestling program at Crestmoor. Sorry I never thanked him. Coach Kent
Special Education Consultant
Carol Schultheis Barraco
January 4, 2014
Seeing his picture, I remember him as a very caring and nurturing teacher at Capuchino High School. He certainly led a full life and made many wonderful contributions that many benefitted from.
Sam Isom
January 4, 2014
Dean Studebaker was a mentor and leader and best of all he was my friend. I graduated in 1960. I was in his office many times. He was the best. GOD has a great guy with him now.
Joan Belforte Thodas
January 4, 2014
Being the principal of Crestmoor High during the sixties would test the patience of a saint. He must have been wonderful because I have no negative memories of him. I probably contributed to his trials during that time. Wishing his family all the best.
Deanne Fernandez
January 4, 2014
I will always remember Mr Studebaker as one of my nicest teachers at Capuchino. Class of '55
Lynne Lashua
January 3, 2014
Such a patient man. Crestmoor class of 68
January 3, 2014
I remember him fondly. He helped me through a tough issue once and was so very kind and understanding. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Paula Whitley Crestmoor '67
Steve Carr
January 3, 2014
There were very few students that did not know David Studebaker. However, none of us guys ever wanted to be called to his office. Although he was fair and friendly, his job as Dean of Boys held that certain "fear factor". My prayers to his family in their lose. I was a Cap '62 grad.
Pat Nichols Williams
January 2, 2014
I also had Mr. Studebaker for a teacher at Capuchino, and Helen Lee too. They both gave me good advice and were excellent teachers. I am so sorry for your family's loss.
Julian Gelber
January 2, 2014
I remember Mr Studebaker, a very nice gentlemen. class of '66
Judy Torkelsen Babcock
January 2, 2014
I will remember Mr. Studebaker as a very gentle man. I remember running the switchboard one day right outside his office and I pulled the plug while he was talking to someone and disconnected his call....he was so sweet to me, he just gave me a wonderful smile, I was so embarrassed. Saw him at the 1999 all school reunion and he still had that wonderful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time. Judy Torkelsen Babcock (class of '66)
Julie Ann Cortes Strain
January 2, 2014
I knew Mr. Studebaker when I went to Capuchino High School. My deepest condolences for your family and prayers for your strength.
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