March 12, 1932 – November 30, 2025
Reverend David Earl Cave, 93, known to many as Dave, passed away on November 30, 2025. He was born on March 12, 1932, in Freeport, Ill., to the late Dewey and Florence (Long) Cave. Dave married the love of his life, the late Beverly Cave (Gunterman), in 1952. They enjoyed over 70 years of marriage. Their love and commitment to each other were deeply inspiring to all who knew them.
Dave and Beverly were blessed with four children – Bill (Betty Lou) Cave of Marshalltown, Iowa, John (Joanne) Cave of Ireton, Iowa, Jim (Sue) Cave of Spencerville, Ohio, and Susan (Michael) Hirl of Cicero, Ind. Dave was also a loving grandfather to 22 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Kathryn Walker; a brother, Roger Cave; and a daughter, Kathryn Mary Cave.
Dave is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Norma Kay and Marvin Everly of Grass Lake, Mich.; his sister-in-law, Barbara Gunterman of Ft. McCoy, Fla.; cousins; and four nephews, Bruce Walker, Ken Walker, Mike Walker, and Martin Walker.
Dave grew up helping his parents on a farm in Liberty, Ill., and also assisted them in caring for residents at a nursing home facility in Girard, Ill. After high school, he left Illinois to volunteer at the Brethren Volunteer Service in New Windsor, Md., where he met Beverly, and soon after, they were married. Dave then attended Manchester College in Manchester, Ind., and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. Sensing a call to full-time ministry, Dave attended Bethany Biblical Seminary in Chicago, Ill., and obtained a Bachelor of Divinity. He was ordained as a minister in 1954 and served faithfully as a pastor for 60 years, beginning with the Church of the Brethren and later serving with the United Church of Christ. Dave served as senior pastor for congregations in Minnesota and Iowa.
After retiring from full-time ministry, Dave served as an interim pastor for many years, ministering to congregations during their transition to a new pastor. He was a compassionate, creative, and inspiring person to all those fortunate to cross his path. His influence throughout his ministry was profound and far-reaching, touching many people’s lives and making countless long-lasting friendships during his career as a pastor and also in his retirement. His life was a testament to his steadfast faith, his love for his wife Beverly, and family, and his love of serving others. His legacy of love, faith, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Dave showed his love to his family by supporting their interests during their youth, their many adventurous activities, and he especially enjoyed family camping vacations filled with canoeing and fishing. He led many church youth group canoe trips to the Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota. He also enjoyed Clowning for Christ with Beverly, where they went by the names Jelly Bean (Beverly) and Lil Oscar (Dave). A highlight of their lives together, during his retirement years, was the summer-long adventure vacation Dave and Beverly enjoyed when they drove their truck-camper from Moose Lake, Minn., to Alaska. Another highlight of his retirement life was designing and building their beautiful home in the woods of Northern Minnesota near Moose Lake.
Dave enjoyed woodworking, carving, and turning bowls, and would donate profits from selling the items he created to missionary work. He was an avid amateur ham radio operator with the call letters WN0P.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring (April or May) near the Silver Creek Cemetery in Leaf River, Ill. Please contact a family member if interested in receiving updates regarding this celebration.
Funeral Services are under the direction of Hartley Funeral Homes – Cicero, Ind.
We invite you to share your memories and photos of Dave on his memorial page. Your stories and pictures will serve to comfort family and friends as they celebrate the remarkable life of this inspiring man.
Condolences: hartleyfuneralhomes.com