An Omahan who devoted his life to standing against violent crime has died. Reverend Dave Gehrls passed away from cancer on Monday at the age of 71.
Gehrls was best known for the prayer walks he organized for Omaha-metro area homicide victims, which he held for over ten years.
According to Gehrls' obituary, posted by Heafey, Hoffmann, Dworak & Cutler mortuary, he worked with the Omaha 360 network to address violence prevention and intervention in Omaha, starting a ministry called First Responders Prayerwalking that has been active in the city for nearly 12 years.
"Since 2007, his team of prayer responders has met at over 500 sites where violent homicides have occurred, creating opportunities to minister to neighborhoods and hurting families within hours of a violent tragedy," the obit states. "The fruit of this sacrifice, prayer and investment – along with the efforts of law enforcement and other groups – is now being seen in prayerwalking areas that have been at peace for over 200 days with no violent homicides."
According to his obituary, Gehrls first came to Nebraska in 1975 to help found Trinity Church in Omaha.
Public visitation will from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM on Monday at Good News Church, 7415 Hickory St.. Services will follow at 11:00 AM at the church. Memorials will be directed by the family to ministry projects close to Dave’s heart.