DAVID GRAY

David "Dave" W. Gray lived a life rooted in family, service, and simple joys. On June 6, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer, Dave passed away at the age of 67.

Born on April 5, 1959, to Merlyn “Mike” Gray and Doloris "Dee" (Diehl) Gray. Dave grew up in Platteville and graduated from Platteville High School in 1977. He later earned his Bachelor of Science degree from UW–Platteville in 1986. On September 29, 1990, he married Lori Grunenwald. Together they raised two daughters, Jacqueline and Laura, and created countless memories through family activities, sports, church, and years spent training in karate.

If you knew Dave, chances are you spent time laughing over a card game, cheering on a Wisconsin sports team, or watching him find yet another way to help someone else. He believed in showing up—for his family, his community, his church, and complete strangers who would never know his name.

One of Dave's greatest joys was the time he spent training in karate with his family. Years of classes, practices, tournaments, and encouragement led to a remarkable achievement: Dave, Lori, Jacqueline, and Laura all earned the rank of first-degree black belt. It was a source of pride not because of the belts themselves, but because it represented the perseverance, discipline, and commitment they shared together.

When he wasn't training, working, or volunteering, Dave enjoyed spending time with friends, including his weekly bowling league. He looked forward to the camaraderie as much as the competition. He also loved spending time with a deck of cards, gathering around a board game, or in front of a television cheering for Wisconsin sports. Badger hockey held a special place in his heart, and countless memories were made alongside family and friends while watching the team he loved. Dave was extremely joyous when taking his daughters to the Kohl Center. Football season brought equal excitement, whether the game was played on a high school field, a college stadium, or a professional arena.

Service was not something Dave talked about—it was simply how he lived. He devoted many years to the DeForest Lions Club, giving his time and energy to improve the lives of others. At Sun Prairie United Methodist Church, he faithfully served as head usher, welcoming fellow worshippers' week after week. He also spent years donating blood, plasma, and platelets through the American Red Cross. He took immense pride in those donations because they represented something he deeply believed in. 

Above all else, Dave will be remembered for his generous heart, his loyalty to family, and his willingness to lend a hand whenever it was needed. The memories of Dave will continue to live on in those who loved him.

Dave is survived by his daughters, Jacqueline (Justin) Crull of Juda and Laura (Nathan) Kemp of Baraboo; his grandchildren, William and Whittney Crull; his siblings, Michael Gray of Platteville, Carla (Tom) Rawson of Richland Center, and Denice (Pete) Koss of Green Bay; his former wife and the mother of his children, Lori Gray of DeForest; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merlyn “Mike” Gray and Doloris "Dee" Gray.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville. Reverend Tammy Clausen will officiate. The visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.