Dave R. Church

David Ray Church passed peacefully from this world on April 9, 2017 with his wife, Eileen and his brother, Jim by his side. Born February 9, 1945 to Thelma (Ash) and Chester “Chet” Church in Lansing Michigan, Dave was a lifelong resident of DeWitt. Shortly after high school, he hired into Oldsmobile, received his Machine Repairman Apprenticeship, then joined the United States Navy where he served two years active duty and four years reserve during the Vietnam War. He returned to Oldsmobile and retired after 35 years.

Dave married his love, Eileen (Northrup) on May 9, 1970, and they had two sons: Troy and Jeffrey.

In 1981, Dave and Eileen, with much help from friends and family, built a cottage on Lily Lake in Harrison, Michigan, where they spent much of their free time until they bought a second home in Nokomis, Florida in 2002 where they spent up to 6 months of each year thereafter.

Dave’s favorite activities were bowling, golf, snowmobiling, Hot Rods and car shows, and membership in the Hawg & Hack car club. Dave maintained close contact with many of his high school classmates until his passing. His pride and joy was a 1967 Plymouth GTX (Belvedere) 440 which he drove on Hot Rod Power Tours and used to travel the country.

Surviving are Eileen, his wife of 47 years; sons, Troy and Jeffrey; brother, Jim (Rodena) Church; sister-in-law, Janet Goelz; many nieces and nephews; great- nieces and nephews; and great-great-nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss “The Ice Cream Man.”

He was predeceased by his parents, Chet and Thelma; in-laws, Harry and Marie Northrup; brother-in-law, Harold Goelz; nephew, Douglas Church; and great- nephew, Grant Church.

The family will receive visitors Sunday April 16, 2017 from 2-5pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, DeWitt Chapel. Visitation will also take place Monday April 17, 2017 from 9-11 am at The Catholic Community of St. Jude in DeWitt, with the Funeral Mass and burial immediately following.

Those desiring may make donations in memory of Dave to Eaton Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813 or McLaren Hospice, 1515 Cal Drive, Davison, MI 48423.