David Grelle

October 14, 1952 ~ June 23, 2022 (age 69)

Obituary

David Alexander Grelle, age 69, of Dallas, Texas passed away June 23, 2022. He was born October 14, 1952, and grew up in Boulder, Colorado where he graduated high school in 1971. David attended the University of Northern Colorado, earning his bachelor’s degree in education. He later earned both a Master’s and Ed.D. in education. 

David taught school in Colorado, Texas, and Florida, most recently at the Parish Episcopal School in Dallas as their special need’s coordinator. His teaching specialty evolved from elementary to various science programs, and finally special education. His innovative teaching approaches moved beyond the traditional classroom. Among his positions, he served as the Region 10 science and information technology specialist, instructing teachers on new ways to teach science, a science specialist at the Texas Can Academy, and an elementary science teacher with the Dallas ISD. 

David was always saving the world one child at a time. He was always ready to serve as their biggest advocate and was never afraid to stand up for their rights. Students and their parents were fortunate to have David in their corner.  He may not remember what he had for breakfast, but he could remember a student’s name from 30 years ago and a dozen fun facts to boot.  

David also blessed the arts with his gifts, singing and playing the piano from a young age. He was an active member of the Turtle Creek Chorale, the most recorded male chorus in the world. He always gave 110%, whether selling raffle tickets in the snow or performing with prominent figures from the arts community. 

David never struggled to believe in people and saw good in them, even when they struggled to see the good in themselves. He was a genuine friend and always offered a safe place at what affectionately became “Mama Grelle’s House of Wayward Children”.  Because of David’s love and compassion, there are so many people in a better place.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Alexander and Anna Laura (Manson) Grelle.

He is survived by family and close friends across the country: his sister, Cindy McCabe, and her family of San Francisco, California; Matthew Evans, Clifford Woeller, Joe Snider, Patrick Norton, and Will Turner, all of Dallas, Texas; Rich Faber of San Francisco, California, Jimmy Ashley of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Gina Funderberg of Santa Barbara, California, as well as a host of friends, colleagues in education, and students too numerous to count.

Memorial Service will be 10:00 AM Friday, July 1, 2022, at the Parish Episcopal School Chapel 4101 Sigma Road Dallas, Texas 75244. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in David's name may be made to Youth First Texas or to Ranch Hand Rescue: Bob's House of Hope.

Tribute to David Alexander Grelle
October 14, 1952 - June 23, 2022
Written by Gina G. von der Burg, aka Funderburgh

 I want to honor the joy of being part of David Alexander Grelle’s colorful and inspirational life with this tribute.  The songs of many hearts who knew him are heavy, however, brilliant with the memories our most impressionable David has left us with.  

 David’s character was multifaceted with talent beyond measure.  He was a gifted pianist, humorist, historian, teacher, bookworm, and vocalist.  These are but a few of his creative attributes.  We can also add his ardent consumer of the latest clothing fashion for men. 

Many of you will surely agree that one of the most enlightening advantages of knowing David was his keen wit and endless talent to turn the humblest of human behavior into something hilarious.  

One day when David was working as an Elementary school teacher, one of his African American students who had just noticed his tie, belt, and handkerchief came up to him and with his obvious southern drawl said “Missr Grelle, Missr Grelle, you be match’in today”.  I can still hear David repeating that story, from the first time to the last just a few months ago.  I spent years listening and laughing uncontrollably over David’s anecdotes.  His warmth and commitment to all his students was beyond love, his passion for teaching was a model of inspiration for all. 

I met David when we were both 15 yrs of age.  I’ll never forget his booming voice simulating a much taller human than his 5’6” stature.  From that moment forward, our friendship exploded into what I’ve always referred to as my BGFF, ‘best girlfriend forever’!  Thru David, I met his childhood partner & sidekick, Rich Faber and together we created more excitement and comedy than anyone could ever dream up in those early years.  

Recalling our antics, I remember the three of us creating superfluous enthusiasm and occasionally mayhem.  Our senior year in HS we were appointed to develop, produce, and present the Senior Class Will in June of 1971.  As you can imagine, this was a yearend final hurrah for the seniors to recall the adventures created during the school year.   The proposed script that we submitted for approval to the authorities was not the script we presented at this historic event.  So intense was our great escape after the event that we parked stage left Ricks VW bug outside the auditorium ready for the get-away.  Life with David was never lifeless or uninspiring.  He took us from hysterical laughter to the seriousness of his views on politics.  

My best-loved remembrance involves the three of us skinny dipping one night in the Boulder City Spruce Pool, at which time suddenly police car lights were brilliantly gleaming across the pool exposing the three of us.  Much to our terror, they remained on while we expediently dressed and shot our bodies over an 8’ brick wall to . . .  once again, Rick’s get-away VW bug.  

Life moved quickly forward from those years and before we knew it, we were well into our careers, moved to different states and doing our best to stay connected from afar.  There was a formidable season in my life when David heroically jumped to my rescue – I did not take him up on his most valiant offer, however, I will never forget his loyalty and unconditional commitment to being there for me when I was most vulnerable.  David embraced my son Garrett as his very own throughout his life making a remarkable impression. 

The last four summers David spent in Santa Barbara with me primarily to avoid the Dallas heat and embrace our daily walks at Hendry’s beach with Ben and my Basset Hounds.  Of course, Rich, David and I usually had our annual rendezvous spending endless hours giggling with the delight. 

David’s loyalty and devotion to his friendships, kinships, and acquaintances was an example of his self-confidence.  His confidence always developed into an intense integrity for generosity.  His spirit of generosity was moreover his heart’s power of love.

I think if David could relay his thoughts today, he would be endlessly grateful to all of you who supported him with your unconditional love and thoughtfulness.  He would tell us that the key to love is to love back.  Enthusiastically embrace people who love you.  Give back, the same level of energy, affection, respect, and love.  Celebrate your life with the people you love, there is much more in life to celebrate. 

Bless you David for your unrestricted, unfailing love, and generosity, for the life you shared with so many, especially the children from your decades of teaching.  

We love you brother,      

Gina G. von der Burg, aka Funderburgh