Dave was born May 25, 1977 to William and Linda Butela (Pickard). He was a 1996 graduate of Byron Center High School. After graduation and a few years in the workforce, Dave furthered his education and earned his Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine from Ferris State University. He also participated in an internship program through Michigan Medicine of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
After graduation, David was a dedicated professional in milk processing. He worked alongside his brother, Jeffrey, and with many friends at the plant. In addition to his full-time job, Dave had an entrepreneurial spirit and managed a rental property while also operating an Airbnb.
Dave’s paternal grandparents lived on a lake where he developed a love for boating and the beach. He was an avid sports fan and his blood ran maize and blue. He enjoyed cruising Lake Michigan and spending time in Grand Haven and sailing and exploring the North Channel of Lake Huron with his father and his Uncle Richard and Aunt Alice. Dave looked forward to visiting his favorite “paradises” including spending every other weekend in Traverse City and Leelanau County cruising on the family boat, the beaches of Seagrove and Seaside, Florida, the music and culture of New Orleans, and Chicago, the home of the Cubs and his ancestral roots.
Dave embraced life to the fullest and had a magnetic personality. No matter where he went or who he was around, he was able to make a friend. He never met a stranger. Dave had an infectious smile and playful sense of humor. Life was enriched by Dave. He was kind, considerate, and a positive life force. His connections extended farther and deeper than we can ever know. Life won’t be the same for many of us who loved him.
Dave was preceded in death by his grandparents Kenneth and Dorothy Butela, Robert and Marge Holtz, and his uncle, Doug Holtz. He is survived by his father and stepmother Bill and Jan Butela of Traverse City; mother and stepfather Linda and Bob Pickard of Byron Center; fiancée, Ericka Lake and her daughter, Emma of Byron Center; brother, Jeff and Nicole Butela and his nephew, Collin of Lowell; stepsister, Christie and Patrick Draper and their daughter, Grace of Springfield, Missouri; stepsister, Melanie and Billy Luckey and their children Hayden and Madison of Milan, Tennessee; stepmother, Becky Butela of Grand Rapids; and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A visitation will be open to the public from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, September 19, 2021 at Cook Funeral Home (West building) in Grandville. (NOTE: THIS VISITATION IS IN GRANDVILLE.) There will also be an additional visitation prior to the funeral service from 10-11 a.m. Monday, September 20, 2021 at Douglas Walker Park in Byron Center, 1194 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI with a funeral service immediately following. Family requests that guest wear masks. A graveside burial will be reserved for family only.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in David’s honor to Doctors Without Borders.
Go Blue! The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.
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