David Gilsdorf
April 11, 1931-April 21, 2017
Menlo Park, California

David Gilsdorf, a long time resident of Menlo Park, passed away on April 21, 2017, of complications from melanoma. Born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, in 1931, David was the oldest of five children to George and Theresa Gilsdorf.

David was a graduate of St. Mary’s Springs Academy in Fond du Lac and attended the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and received a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering in 1954.

Following his undergraduate years at Notre Dame, David joined the U.S. Army as part of the Core of Engineers and served at Fort Riley, Kansas.

Later he received his Masters of Industrial Engineering from Montana State University and his Masters of Business Administration from Santa Clara University.

David worked as a business consultant for several firms including Westinghouse, AT Kearney, Raymond Corporation, Signetics, and SRI International.

He met his wife, Maria, while consulting in Puerto Rico. David and Maria were married in 1966 and shortly after moved from Pittsburgh to Menlo Park. They were married for 51 years.

He loved going on long walks, talking to neighbors, and keeping people on their toes with his dry wit. He was a loving husband, father, son, and brother. David was a devoted member of Nativity Church and also enjoyed reading and gardening.

David is survived by his wife, Maria; daughter and son-in-law, Lucy Gilsdorf-String and Donald String; daughter and son-in-law, Maritere and Charles Preuss; sister, Helen Gilsdorf; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Ken Fenske; sister, Mary Gilsdorf; brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Dao Gilsdorf; and his four grandchildren.

Tags: veteran, business