David L. Gerstner

Dr. David Lawrence Gerstner, age 65, passed away Monday October 25th, 2021, from pancreatic cancer, at home with his wife Bethany. He was preceded in death by his parents, Drs. Richard and Elizabeth Gerstner. David was born September 24, 1956 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but grew up in the Winchell neighborhood of Kalamazoo. As a young man, he was a city table tennis champion, an Oakwood Little League home run king, a water skier, golfer and high school basketball player for Kalamazoo Central class of '74. He attended Carleton College in Minnesota class of '78, followed by St. Louis University School of Medicine. Dave did a Residency in Orthopedics at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Louisiana, followed by a Fellowship in Hand Surgery at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. He eventually returned to Kalamazoo in 1988 to join Healthcare Midwest Hand Surgery at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Dave is survived by his siblings Lynn, Eric, and Karl Gerstner. A constant joy in his life was his two children, Dr. Brett (Dr. Arya Khatiwoda) Gerstner and Michael (Kristen) Gerstner. He took great pride in their high school hockey and soccer skills and their later life accomplishments. Brett is the fourth generation physician in the Gerstner family. Also surviving are his former wife Cathy Troyer, many nieces and nephews, and grandchildren Kate, Joanna, and Gavin. Despite his progressing illness, Dave was able to spend a recent weekend at the family cottage in Manistee, sharing meals, and telling stories. Dave will be remembered as a talented and caring physician, a good father, friend, and brother. No services are planned at this time. Langeland Funeral Home