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David Gerard Obituary
David G. Gerard
AUSTIN, TX - David G. Gerard, 64, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2015. He was born Dec 7, 1950, in Evansville, Ind., to Richard and Emma Gerard (both deceased).
David is survived by his wife of 26 years, Nancy; daughter, Jessica of Houston, Texas; sister, Judith Wessel (husband, Robert) of Evansville; brother, Gary (wife, Mary Ellen) of New Harmony, Ind.; brother, D. Michael of Newburgh, Ind.; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
David received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Purdue University and his Master Of Urban Planning from the University of Illinois. He worked at the Illinois EPA in Springfield from 1975-1980, then moved back to his hometown to work at the Evansville Urban Transportation Agency.
David moved to Austin in 1985 to work for the City of Austin Transportation Dept. until he retired 25 years later in 2010. He was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
David was a devoted husband and father as well as a great cook and gardener.
David will be buried in his hometown of Evansville, Ind., on March 28, 2015.
Condolences may be made online at ziemerfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Gerard
Nancy Gerard
March 14, 2025
Wow! It's hard to believe we lost you 10 years ago today. It doesn't seem that long ago and so much has happened. Jessica and Drew had a beautiful wedding April 1, 2022 then sweet Parker was born the day after your birthday, December 8, 2023. She is beautiful and smart and you would love her too. I miss you and wish you were here sharing the fun of being a grandparent:) Love,
Jessica Gerard
March 11, 2022
Dad-
One of the greatest days in my life is coming up- marrying my soulmate, Drew. But it will also be one of the toughest days, because you won't be there. Mom and I will probably not be able to keep it together walking down the aisle, remembering you. I think of you, so often... I miss you so much. I'd do anything to hug you again. I know one day I will see you.. until then please keep visiting me in my dreams, and leaving little reminders in my daily life that you are with me. I love you,
JJ
Nancy Gerard
March 11, 2022
I received an e-mail reminder of your passing; however, you are always in our thoughts. Especially now as Jessica and I are planning her wedding April 1, 2022. You should be here!!! You would be so proud of Jessica. And I know you would approve of her future husband. Drew asked Gary for permission to propose to and marry Jessica. There will be tears of joy at her wedding and of missing you.
Love, Nancy
Dennis Pescitelli
March 16, 2019
I recently received an e-mail reminder of Dave's passing four years ago. It surely doesn't seem that long ago. My fond memories of him and our shared good times are still vivid. I fervently hope that Nancy and Jessica are in good health and that happiness brings smiles and warm memories of their times with Dave.
August 5, 2015
Working with Dave at the City of Austin was an awesome experience. We are sorry to see him gone so soon.
Mike & Kim Martello, Tampa, FL
May 29, 2015
I was shocked and saddened to hear of David's passing. I have many special memories of Dave at Purdue as we all tried to grow up in those turbulent times, including sharing a love of our MGs. David had a great smile and loved to laugh, a special bond with his Beta brothers, and could not rave enough about Evansville barbecue!
Julie Carlson Wright
Crystal Lake Illinois
Irene & Bob Garcia
May 10, 2015
We are truly sorry to learn of Dave's passing and extend our deepest condolences to Nancy and Jessica. When Dave first came to work for the Urban Transportation Department, he was not use to the southern way of doing business. He wanted to start meetings on time and not spend time on small talk and pleasantries before getting started. He soon adapted to our Texas ways and enjoyed all that Austin had to offer. We have fond memories of Dave and know that your memories will help you through this difficult time. God Bless You!
Sue Heumann
May 6, 2015
My condolences to the Gerards on David's passing. My office at the City of Austin was next to David's for several years. During that time we often shared parenting tips and frustrations along with transportation planning scenarios. Often times we'd share stories of our little sports cars his MG and my Triumph. What fun we'd have! His faith-filled approach to life and his quiet but steady leadership style always impressed me. The consummate professional engineer and good friend. He served us well. God Bless you Nancy and Jessica, may your memories always help you celebrate his life and love.
Chris Muraida
May 4, 2015
Nancy, We were shocked to read about Dave's passing in the Retirement News Update we just received today. We are so sorry. God Bless you and Jessica during this time. We will keep you in prayer.
Chris & John Muraida
Pat Dennis
April 21, 2015
I worked with Dave at IEPA and had many enjoyable times with him on the softball fields and in the sports bars afterwards. I treasure his memory and mourn his loss. My sympathies to Nancy and Jessica.
JoAnn Morris
April 11, 2015
I remember David fondly from high school days. He was a shining star then and now. Goodbye.
Nancy Gerard
April 3, 2015
Dave, I still cannot believe you will never walk into our home again. We were supposed to grow old together but you will forever be 64. I miss you very much and am proud of your personal and professional accomplishments. The messages left here by family, friends, and co-workers are very comforting. I especially miss your great cooking and have special memories of our many visits to The Coral Sands in Ormond Beach, FL. I will see you again some day, but not too soon! Love, Nancy
March 28, 2015
Dave Gerard was a great guy. He and I palled around in college even though I was older than him. We used to ride around in his MG Midget. I have nothing but fond memories. I thought enough of him to reach out after college. The last time I spoke to him might have been a couple years ago. His loss is a shock. He left a mark.
Steve dexter
Steve Dexter
March 28, 2015
Dave was a great friend and ally in college. Although he was a year behind me, there was never any difference between us. I kept it touch with him sporadically over the years. He had a keen wit. He was very pleasant and kind. I am sure his early departure is causing much pain for the survivors. I feel your loss. He was a great guy who left a mark on this world. Dex
John Hendricks
March 27, 2015
One of my Beta Brothers who I so enjoyed spending time with at Purdue. We kept up via Christmas cards all these years after graduation. A good person whom I will miss keeping in touch with. My prayers go out to his family.
Christine Clatt
March 26, 2015
I first met Dave after Nancy and I became friends when we all worked at IEPA in Springfield. I always admired him for his deep devotion to his family and his faith, as well as his loyalty to his friends. He was a joy to be around because of his intelligence and great sense of humor. One of our many happy times together was when we went to Dave's boss's house for dinner and discovered how much we all loved Indian cuisine. On several occasions thereafter, Dave, always such a talented chef, made tasty Indian meals that we enjoyed immensely. My heartfelt prayers are with Nancy, Jessica, and all of Dave's loved ones.
Mike Gerard
March 26, 2015
What do you say when your baby-brother is taken from you? He was a good man, a great brother and a very special person. I know that our father and mother were waiting at the golden gate to comfort Dave and to celebrate his arrival. Don't cry for his loss but take joy in that he is in his new home. Love you brother.
Bill Stockton
March 26, 2015
Dave and I worked together as friends and colleagues at the City of Austin. Dave's direction was driven by his impeccable professional judgment and integrity. Public emotion and political influence were appropriately considered, but not dominant, in his actions and advice. Ultimately, the citizens of Austin received the finest in service from Dave.
Jeff Dean
March 25, 2015
From Holy Rosary, to Memorial, to Purdue, Dave was my friend and cohort in many adventures. One of my best friends in those early days, and it saddened me greatly to hear of his passing. I did get a chance to see Dave and meet Nancy at our 25th high school reunion, and it was one of the best memories of that event. Nancy, you are in my thoughts.
Hal Thomas
March 24, 2015
Another pledge brother chimes in. Dave was a great part of our class; a great part of a time when we did so much growing and learning. And we had some fun, thanks Dave!
Blessings to his family.
Steve Main
March 24, 2015
I have fond memories of Purdue and Beta Theta Pi and David is in many of them. He was always very kind and supportive-a fun, good person. His family is in my prayers.
March 24, 2015
Dave,
I wish I could say we have shared more than (3) great years at the PURDUE Beta House. My thoughts and prayers for your fine family. Fred Machledt - Indpls.
March 24, 2015
Such a loss reminds us how short a time we are here, but the memories of David at Beta Mu will carry on. My condolences to David's family.
Robert E. Ross
Frank Sherman
March 23, 2015
Dave and I worked at IEPA in the late seventies. He taught me about transportation planning and the meaning of "paucity." Dave single handedly developed a technique for evaluating the impact of traffic congestion on CO pollution. This technique led to the elimination of CO in the Chicago area, which in turn prevented thousands of early deaths of infants and elderly people with breathing disorders. He was a consummate engineer and all around good guy, and will be sorely missed. My condolences to all of his family, especially Nancy and Jessica.
Robert Wunderlich
March 23, 2015
Dave was a great friend,colleague and mentor when we were oh so young at the City of Austin. He inherited me when he came to the city, and we both had strong personalities, but we quickly found out how to work together to make things better. He was a great engineer and a supportive supervisor. His gift when I left the city introduced me to James Herriot, for which I will be forever grateful. One of the truly dedicated engineers. We will miss you and my heartfelt condolences go to Nancy and Jessica, and all those who knew and loved him.
Rose Zigenfus
March 23, 2015
David served as Executive Director of the Evansville Urban Transportation Study (EUTS) during the early 1980's. A time when transportation planning was critical for the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County. Under his direction, the EUTS agency was at the forefront of the building boom that was taking hold and responsible for developing a transportation network to meet the traffic demand for the next twenty years. He was instrumental in the development, planning and implementation of two major road projects. David worked closely with Indiana Department of Transportation and the Federal Highways Administration as well as local officials to achieve the cross county Lloyd Expressway and Interstate 164 projects. David served on many local boards and committees.
Dave was the consummate professional, and above all an exceptional human being. He will be greatly missed
Michelle Gerard-Hartley
March 22, 2015
You will be missed Uncle David!
Jim Matheny
March 22, 2015
I worked with Dave at IEPA in the late '70's. He taught this greenhorn engineer to appreciate all that "planning stuff." Enjoyed our friendship and good times in the office and away from work. Sincere condolences to Nancy, Jessica, family and friends.
Michelle Gerard-Hartley
March 22, 2015
I have fond memories of my Uncle David teaching me to make homemade pasta and watching the MTV premiere together. He will be missed.
Wonderful neighbors
Ann & Tosh McIntosh
March 22, 2015
Helping with the project
Ann & Tosh McIntosh
March 22, 2015
March 22, 2015
I have great memories of being a pledge brother with David. He was always smiling and ready for a good time. His family is in my prayers. Tony D. Zatkulak
March 22, 2015
I'll add condolences from one more pledge brother at Purdue. There wasn't a nicer, steadier guy than Dave amongst us. I know he will be missed. Bob Evard
March 22, 2015
I have find memories of riding around with him at Purdue in his miniature sports car. I had the fortune of reconnecting with him in recent years. He was a great guy. Very sad.
Ron Wray
March 22, 2015
Heartfelt condolences. I have good memories of my time at Purdue as a pledge brother of Dave's.
Bob Hall
March 22, 2015
I was saddened to learn of Dave's death. I am a fraternity pledge brother and we lived in the Beta Theta Pi house at Purdue for 3 years. I notified our other pledge brothers. I plan to attend visitation on Friday. Yours in ___kai___, Bo
Judith Wessel
March 21, 2015
I was 15 when you were born and and immediately fell in love with you and became your "second mother". You were a smiling, happy, handsome, articulate, and smart child that brought much joy and happiness to me and the rest of the family.That joy increased as you became my grown-up brother, and I will miss our adult talks and shared moments, also, mom's relish that you made for us! Now there is a huge hole in my heart that can never be filled, and I will miss and love you the rest of my life. Sis
Karen Glynn
March 20, 2015
I would like to offer my sympathy and prayers to the Gerard Family. I was so sorry to hear your sad news.
I had worked with Dave at the City of Austin. We had a great team. It was there that I found my love for City Government. I am so thankful to Dave (and Samileh) for offering me this opportunity, for his leadership and friendship, and his help in guiding my engineering career in this direction.
You are in my heart and prayers. May you find strength and peace in the days and weeks ahead.
Karen Hajda Glynn
March 19, 2015
Dave and I met in our senior project semester at Purdue University. In the following years, we worked together and hung out together until he moved to Austin and began his life with Nancy. I was deeply honored to be Jessica's godfather.
Dave was a rock-steady friend; we were simpatico. We kept in touch for 25 years although we were states away.
I was looking forward to possibly seeing him again later this year when I got the news.
I'm still stunned and profoundly saddened. It will take some time to get my head around this. Susan and I offer our most profound condolence to his family, friends and colleagues.
Farewell, good friend. I will miss you and remember you.
Dennis Pescitelli
Jessica Gerard
March 18, 2015
Dad,
I can't believe it, it still hasn't hit me. I wish I could've moved back sooner to take care of you, I'm sorry it took so long. Tell grandma and grandpa I say hi! I miss you... So much. It's slowly becoming more and more real. I'll miss you waking me up in the morning to let cooper out, I'll miss your cooking and obsession with the food Channel, I'll miss everything. Thank you so much for being there and always pushing me to be better. I love you dad!
Jim Vance
March 18, 2015
David oversaw several projects as the City of Austin's project officer in which I was the principal consultant and team leader in the mid-1980s and early 1990s, and I recall the highly professional relationship he brought to the department (where I had also previously worked) as both collegial and principled -- a role in which it is often difficult to achieve such a balance. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing, and extend most sincere condolences to his family.
Joel Brundrett
March 18, 2015
Dave hired me to come to work at the City of Austin in 1994. From that time until my retirement in 2011, I came to know Dave as a professional colleague and mentor, as well as a personal friend. He demonstrated care and compassion in all that he did. I will always remember Dave and the discussions we had over the years as we took time out of our work day to deliver Meals on Wheels to folks in need. I will carry his friendship with me always. I offer my condolences to Dave's family and friends for their loss.
Rebecca Games
March 18, 2015
David was an awesome soccer dad!
Elizabeth Badger
March 18, 2015
I remember Dave as one of the "good guys" from UTD when I was in the Planning Department. My condolences to the family for your loss.
Liz Badger
Chip Harris
March 18, 2015
I was lucky to have known David and was fortunate to have his help in working to solve complicated traffic issues in our neighborhood. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.
Peter Rieck
March 18, 2015
My condolences and sympathy to David's family, especially Nancy and Jessica. I was fortunate to work with David for almost 8 years at the City of Austin. Collaborating on many difficult issues, I came to value and respect David's advise and his leadership. He served Austin well with his skill and integrity. I am deeply sorry about his untimely transition.
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