David O. Meisenzahl "The Milkman"

David “Dave” O. Meisenzahl, 84, of Gates, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, after a life well-lived and filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Born on July 4, 1941, Dave was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. Dave is forever known by nearly everyone as "Dave the Milkman" due to his 44-year career with the family business, Meisenzahl Dairy. He began working at the dairy at a young age and, despite not finishing school beyond the 7th grade, his work ethic and dedication were unmatched. He only missed two days of work in his entire career—both due to inclement weather. His reputation for reliability and service was unparalleled, and he continued to work until he was forced into retirement in 1999 due to health reasons. A devoted family man, Dave married his high school sweetheart, Nora, in 1962. Together, they shared 46 wonderful years of marriage before Nora’s passing. They were the proud parents of three children, and their legacy now includes nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Dave was the heart of the family, known for his constant presence and commitment to keeping everyone connected. He was the family’s first call for news and weather updates, earning him the affectionate nickname "News Reporter Dave" and "Weatherman Dave". In his free time, Dave was known for his love of fishing, a passion that took him to many special places near water, including Chautauqua Lake, The Thousand Islands, and Sodus Bay. He also had a deep love for animals, treating them as his own children. Southern Comfort whiskey and sports, especially basketball, were among his favorite pastimes. As a passionate fan of March Madness, Dave was always the one to know every team’s stats and scores. His favorite TV shows included Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, and The Price is Right, where he’d often eagerly guess along with the contestants. Dave found comfort in gardening and even worked at the Garden Factory, where he was the go-to guy for opening the shop early and turning the coffee on. Known for his green thumb, Dave had an uncanny ability to bring even the most struggling plants back to life—a skill that will remain one of his lasting legacies. Despite his many surgeries over the years, Dave’s resilience and ability to find humor in any situation remained unwavering. His family often recalls his distaste for hospital visits and the reminder from the Amazon Alexa to take his meds. But, as always, Dave faced these challenges with a grin and a wink. Dave’s greatest achievement was being "ole reliable": the guy you could always count on for a ride, a shared meal at Panera or Bill Gray's, or simply a friendly chat over a Frosty. His warmth and care will be remembered by everyone who knew him. Dave’s spirit will live on in the countless memories he leaves behind, and the many people whose lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and love. Family and friends may call Wednesday, August 27th from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Operation Freedom Ride.

David O. Meisenzahl "The Milkman"

July 4, 1941 - August 23, 2025