Obituary remembers David Gehlhoff's U.P. roots, family and businesses

David Gehlhoff died June 11, 2026, in Green Bay at age 86. He was born June 1, 1940, in Stambaugh to Jane and George Gehlhoff, and his work ethic, generosity and love of bringing people together shaped the rest of his life.

He met Jean Claire Stoor in high school in the Upper Peninsula. Their marriage lasted 63 years, and after David started his career in Milwaukee, the couple built a life centered on family and community before settling into the business and social circles that defined much of their later years.

They opened Dave’s Stagger Inn and later bought The Den in Green Bay. Both places became gathering spots where friendships formed and stories passed across the bar, and they had season tickets on the 50-yard line at Lambeau Field and went 30 seasons without missing a home game.

Family remained at the center of David’s life, especially summers at the family cottage in the Upper Peninsula, meals around the table and the everyday conversation that kept the family tied together. He is survived by his children, Don; Kim and Andy Scray; Kevin and Lisa Gehlhoff; and Dena and Chris Fellows-Lese, along with grandchildren, great-grandsons, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and close friends. He was preceded in death by Jean, who died Oct. 11, 2025, along with his parents, siblings Ronnie and Bonnie Gehlhoff, Judy and Jerry Thier, Joan and Bill Marcell, Jackie and John Waite and Julie Esbrook, son-in-law Aaron Fellows and close friend Harold Mertens.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 27, at St. Mary Catholic Church - Ledgeview, 4805 Sportsman Drive in De Pere. Visitation starts at 10 a.m. and the service begins at noon, with Rev. Mike Ingold officiating. Memorials may be made to Syble Hopp School in De Pere, which serves students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, or to the Arthritis Foundation.