David Edward Geilhausen

A funeral service for David will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday September 18, 2023, at Westminster Memorial Park and Mortuary 14801 Beach Blvd. Westminster, CA 92683.

A Graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday September 19, 2023, at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518.

Dave was born on October 21, 1953, on Travis Air Force Base. He grew up in Vacaville, California and graduated from Vacaville High School. He then attended California State University at Sacramento and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice.

Dave entered the United States Marine Corps as an officer (2nd Lieutenant) and attended flight school in Pensacola, Florida where he became a helicopter pilot. He was stationed in several locations, including a year on Okinawa, Japan. While on Okinawa, Dave flew helicopters and counted basketballs. Important military stuff. He had oversight of the Enlisted clubs and Officers clubs (E clubs and O clubs), which included review of the books and athletic equipment. When he arrived on the island, he purchased a car from a departing Marine. It had a hole in the floorboard, but it got him from point A to point B. When he departed the island, he sold it to the next Marine.

Dave was able to travel to several parts of Asia while stationed on Okinawa where was able to purchase a new stereo and digital watch (very cool for the day). He also purchased a set of Noritake china that the family still uses. While in the Marine Corps, Dave sang with the Naval Air Training Command Choir. He traveled with the choir to entertain the troops at Gitmo in Cuba. Pretty cool. His last station was Camp Pendleton in North San Diego County. He loved Southern California and stayed after he left the Marine Corps. Dave left the Marines as a Captain.

After leaving the Marine Corps, Dave applied to the California Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He became a Chippie because the CHP accepted him first. But, he did receive an acceptance letter from the FBI while in the CHP academy. Dave was a motorcycle officer with the CHP and was a recognized expert witness in traffic accidents, which led him to testify in many court proceedings. While doing “monthly unscheduled maintenance” on his motorcycle, he was driving a CHP car and was rear-ended while patrolling. He suffered an injury and retired from the CHP after 10 years.

Being a smart guy and college educated, Dave went into software development after retiring from the CHP. He developed proprietary software to manage hospital financial auditing and was very successful. He finally, actually retired in 2017.

Outside of work, Dave had many interests and made many friends along the way. He loved baseball and was a season ticket holder with the Angels since 1997. He had four seats so he could share the good time with his friends. Dave loved to shoot and collect handguns and rifles. He was a Mason, 3rd Degree Master Mason, and was involved with many charitable organizations. Dave met his good friend and best man, Dan Morse, through the Masonic Lodge activities. He loved his Marauder (because he was a Chippie) and loved to hear that car roar. He loved to read, especially military themed books and mysteries. He loved sports, except for basketball. He really loved NASCAR. He loved to ride his gold wing. Dave was an excellent poker player and played in several World Poker Championship tournaments. He also was a champion game show contestant and won several times!

Dave met the love of his life in 2002 and married Lisa in 2003. They traveled and went to baseball games together. They had cats and dogs to love and dote upon. Dave had the most wonderful stepchildren anyone could ask for. Faith, John and Paige brought so much happiness to Dave’s life. Everywhere Dave went in life and everyone he met will tell you that he was a kind and generous person. He was always in a good mood and had a silly joke to tell. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Dave is preceded by his mother Jackie and father Walter. He is survived by his wife Lisa and stepchildren Faith and Samuel, John and Theresa, and Paige and Anthony. Also, his grandchildren Ivan, Luke, Mark, Jonathon, Leah, Samuel, Jr., Alexander and Eve.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a contribution to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. online at www.mcsf.org

A Life Well Lived

A life well lived is a precious gift

Of hope and strength and grace,

From someone who has made our world

A brighter, better place

It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad

With smiles and sometimes tears,

With friendships formed and good times shared

And laughter through the years.

A life well lived is a legacy

Of joy and pride and pleasure,

A living, lasting memory

Our grateful hearts will treasure

- Author Unknown

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.westminstermemorial.net for the Geilhausen family.