Michael Gelski

Michael Gelski Sr. grew up in Greeley, CO, and graduated from Greeley High School in 1972. Michael was enrolled as a soldier in The Salvation Army in April of 1974 and served with distinction for over thirty-five years. Michael was an accomplished musician and photographer which afforded him the opportunity to serve in many different volunteer positions. Michael began his employment with The Salvation Army in the fall of 1984. Michael was also an avid amateur radio operator, with the call sign of KBOPVD. His vast experience was instrumental in the expansion of The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) in the Intermountain Division. While music was his hobby and his service in Emergency Disasters was his passion, his family was his first love. Within The Salvation Army world, he was known as ""Mr. Emergency Disaster Services."" Talk to anyone outside The Salvation Army in the emergency disaster field, they all knew Michael Gelski Sr. Michael's office walls were decorated with plaques and certificates from numerous national, state, county and city agencies that recognized his expertise, response and compassion. Michael was responsible for staging and coordinating The Salvation Army EDS teams from around the Western United States during the August 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. Michael also helped to design two of the newest Salvation Army canteens. Utilizing his vast working knowledge of mobile kitchen operations, he designed these vehicles to provide food and hydration to first responders more efficiently. He was also responsible for designing and teaching training programs for new EDS volunteers. Michael is survived by his wife of nine years, Karen, sons Michael II and Jason; daughters Rosalee, twins Jessica and Aspen, Jacque and Julie; sister Mary and brother Dale. Angela Roberts, Michael's step daughter, preceded him in death in 1997.