David (Dave) Henry VanderGiessen, 66, died peacefully at home, in Helena, MT, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Dave was born on June 23, 1959, to Don and Hetty van der Giessen, in Bellingham, WA. Early in life, he lived in Lynden, WA, Seattle, WA, Rocky River, OH, and then back to Seattle. After high school, Dave joined the US Marine Corps and served on the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea. The Marines were always a huge part of his life.
It was during his time with the Marines that he met his beloved wife of 44 years, Carla O’Baugh. They first lived in Mission Viejo, CA, and then moved to Seattle where they raised 3 amazing children, Rachel, Jason and Benjamin. They spent as much time outside as possible, camping, fly fishing, clamming, and exploring the Pacific Northwest. This love of the outdoors led Dave and Carla to Montana after their children grew up and out. Dave thrived in the rugged environment and loved their home in the forest outside of Helena.
Those that knew Dave, loved him for his humor and laughter, his generosity, sensitivity, and love for others, and his positive outlook on life.
Dave worked hard all his life, primarily as a self-employed carpet cleaner in the Seattle area and most recently custodian in the Helena School District and volunteer fire-fighter of forest fires throughout the west. He was always very generous with his time, volunteering with Relay for Life, the Calvinist Cadet Corps, school boards, numerous charities, etc.
Dave is survived by his wife, Carla, of Helena, daughter Rachel Wold (Brian) of Seattle (Ryker, Isla), sons Jason VanderGiessen (Rona) of San Diego (Ariel, Jaxon), and Benj VanderGiessen (Ellie) of Seattle, his mother, Hetty van der Giessen, sister Nan VanKlaveren (Garry), brothers Doug VanderGiessen (Lora) and Eric van der Giessen (Dora), father-in-law, Carl O’Baugh, sister-in-law Cindy White (Kurt) and Coral Hill, uncles and aunts, many cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews, by whom he was affectionately referred to as ‘Favorite Uncle Dave’. He is preceded in death by his father, Don van der Giessen, mother in law Carolyn O’Baugh, and niece Scarlett Hill.
Dave made a lasting impression with everyone he met and will be missed by many. The family is planning two Celebrations of Life, one at Dave and Carla’s property outside of Helena, and one at his sister’s house near Seattle:
- Sunday, August 10th 2-4pm, Lynnwood, WA (email Nan VanKlaveren garry.nan@frontier.com for details)
- Sunday, August 31st 2-6pm, 5475 Jimtown Rd, Helena, MT 59602 (email Rachel Wold vanderr6@gmail.com with questions)
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, an organization that was very near and dear to Dave’s heart!
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday August 10, 2025
email Nan VanKlaveren at garry.nan@frontier.com for details
Lynnwood, Washington,
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday August 31, 2025
Family residence
5475 Jimtown Road
Helena Montana, email Rachel Wold at vanderr6@gmail.com with questions
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday August 10, 2025
email Nan VanKlaveren at garry.nan@frontier.com for details
Lynnwood, Washington,
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday August 31, 2025
Family residence
5475 Jimtown Road
Helena Montana, email Rachel Wold at vanderr6@gmail.com with questions
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maynard Ritchie says
I was distressed to learn of Dave’s passing. Dave (Gonzo) reported to the MarDet Coral Sea about a month after I did in 1977. It was Dave who introduced me to Wendy’s. I never heard of Wendy’s until we were in Bremerton. Being a Seattle area native, Dave was telling me about Wendy’s burgers as there was Wendy’s in Seattle at the time. Dave was a Marine’s Marine, and not only preached brotherhood and comradeship. He lived it. During a MarDet reunion in St. Louis in 2019, Dave escorted and was the care giver of a disabled fellow Marine. To the family of L/cpl VanderGiessen I offer my heart felt condolences to your loss. To Gonzo I offer you a slow hand salute. Now go report to the Sgt of the Guard. You got the duty
Rest in Peace brother,
Semper Fi
Ritchie
Vicki Bell (married) says
I met Dave at Herfys here in Seattle when I was 16. So many memories. He and my ex husband were shift managers. Not knowing who he was, my best friend was dating his good friend Mark who is
also in Heaven.
Small circle of friends. It was so sad to learn about Dave’s cancer and his departing from all of his loved ones.
Ron W. Howerton says
Dave was a good one. A Prince of a guy. This is a loss for all. We honor a man that always had an upbeat attitude, always friendly.
In all the time I knew him, Dave never had an enemy. He was loved by all.
With this loss, world has slightly darkened and Heaven is much brighter.
Thanks for being a friend, big guy. You will be missed.
Kevin Miller says
Dave was a customer of mine when he had 4 Seasons Carpet Cleaning. I’d work on his machine. He was the kind of customer you were always happy to see. Even tempered, smiling… full of joy. He was a proud Marine and represented everything good about the Corps. Respect, honor and integrity. Our business relationship soon turned to a personal friendship. I mean, you just wanted to be around him and relish in his humor, love and joy. Great sense of humor too! We both moved away but we never moved on. Stayed in touch as he kept me apprised of his battle. His fight wasn’t a struggle… it was hard fought with dignity and grace. My memories of him will be etched in my mind the rest of my days. And I know he will hear “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
May God Bless his bride, family and all who are blessed knowing Dave.
Shannon Bartole says
Carla, this news makes my heart hurt for you and your family. I’m so glad I got to meet him. The kids at CR Anderson were so lucky to have him around. Mike, my husband, enjoyed the couple times Dave let him hunt the turkeys on your property. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate this life without your partner. He fought so hard.
All my love to you.
Shannon & Mike Bartole
Terry McNair says
My Sincere Condolences to the family and friends of our beloved Marine Brother. He was a good friend to Me right from the start of His journey on the USS Coral Sea, I met up with him later in Seattle, where we spent time together working with Him in His carpet cleaning business.
He was most definitely a true friend and will be missed!
I know in my heart, He accepted Jesus as His personal Savior and is now in Heaven with our Lord God! Rest easy My friend till we meet again!
Steve Koester says
I met Dave when he was working at Walmart, and then late when he was working at CR Anderson school, we had good conversations, he would race by my house, when I had core samples of concrete, he could take home to his wife, he never had a bad word to say about anyone. Rip dave journey well.
Will Ebert says
I worked with Dave for years at walmart. He became a very close friend. I am deeply saddened by this loss.
Rita says
I just can’t believe Dave is gone. He had the most awesome attitude and I was hoping he’d recover. I’m so sorry, Carla. Please let me know if there’s anything you need. Just walk down the hill….
John Poppe says
I Was Fortunate Enough To Have Met Dave With The Helena School District, 1st Impressions Mean Alot, And Mine Was That Dave Was A Great Guy, Always A Positive Attitude, And A Team Player! And How Very True! Always Willing To Go That Extra Mile To Get The Job Accomplished! I Will Dearly Miss You My Friend! And The Helena School District Will Also!