Age 86.

Beloved husband of Sandy for 57 years. Loving dad of Tami (Hardy) Schmutzler, Jill (Don) Pineda, and Jacqueline (Jeff) Scheel Weinman. Cherished grandpa of Amber, Tara, Kaycee, Alexandra, Jonathan, and the late Shaina. Adored great-grandpa of Charlotte, Caroline, and Bonnie. Amazing brother in law to Paul (Jody) Lampi. Beloved uncle and godfather of Kyle. Dear friend to Marv and Marlene Puska and Jerry and Dorothy Talberg.

Dave lived his 86 years to his fullest.  Growing up, his love of baseball and cars started very early.  Dave could also be found reading books and he became a total history buff.  He also acquired a large group of friends, starting in elementary school, that would be there until the very end. These people and activities would be very present throughout his life.  Be it parties, car shows, traveling or just getting together for dinner, Dave had a great social life.

Among his loves, he enjoyed old movies, especially Laurel and Hardy.  He and his wife, Sandy, became members of the Dancing Cuckoos where they could share their love of this duo with other fans.  Dave could often times be relied on to recall actors or movies from years ago, just at a small reference from someone.  He had a knack for picking out voices of actors in cartoons.  There was a solid love for Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, and Rocky and Bullwinkle, along with his ability to imitate Donald and Daffy Duck at the drop of a hat.     

Travel was also a large part of his life.  Early on, he and Sandy traveled with the Nomads, visiting numerous places.  He found joy in traveling the beautiful state of Michigan, especially the Upper Peninsula, always knowing where to stop and get a good burger or history lesson.  Many winters were spent snowbirding to Florida or Las Vegas, where Dave made sure to get familiar with a good breakfast spot.  Cruising also made his days.  He loved the ability to sit on a balcony on the ocean, good book in hand.  He truly loved to experience all the places he visited.

Cars were always a very present part of Dave's life.  A Mustang man at heart, he always had some form of American muscle in his garage.  He truly loved his 1986 GT, so much she was supercharged while still looking as stock as the day he bought her.  The neighborhood was always thrilled when he started her engine running.  That Mustang was also invited to celebrate in the Pony Drive in the late 1980's.  One of his greatest moments was getting to drive his baby on the Indianapolis 500 race track, complete with the Beach Boys playing on the radio.  To help share his love, Dave and Sandy became members of the Mustang Owners Club of Southeastern Michigan, where he could show his cars off, drool over other beautiful 'stangs, and just talk shop with the other members.  He was happy to know his 2003 GT was still in good running shape and getting out with his daughter, Jackie, provided she not let her go out in the salt or snow.  

Dave was gifted in graphic arts and spent his working years in lithography.  He took pride in making sure his work was clean and well prepared, and knew his way around color and style better than most.  Not to limit his arts to the workplace, Dave was also a master at pumpkin design and carving, making sure Halloween pumpkins looked better than the others on the street. 

In his later years, Dave truly found a love of breakfast with the boys.  Calling themselves the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out), he and his buddies could often times be found at his favorite place, Big Boy.  He loved the food and social time with his friends,  always bringing a smile to the face of the employees.  Dave could almost always be down for a good steak and eggs, and there was always a love of a good cup of coffee.  

What Dave will be remembered for the most is how fun and unique he was.  There was never a shortage of laughter and smiles when he was around.  He made you feel like you were welcome and at home no matter where you were.  Should you need a good pick me up, Dave could always be relied on for a good joke or fun comment.  The stories of Dave will continue to keep his memory alive, because he sure is missed.       

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday March 27, 2026 from 11 am until the 1 pm memorial service at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 Inkster Rd, Garden City (between Ford and Cherry Hill). 

A West Branch memorial luncheon will be held on Monday 30, 2026 at 12 noon at Buck's Country Cookin', 105 Plaza Dr., West Branch, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Finnish Center Association or Shelter to Home Animal Rescue.