David Wayne Eberhard

David Wayne Eberhard, age 72, of Naples, Florida and Grand Haven, Michigan, unexpectedly passed into Eternal Life on December 20, 2023. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 2, 1951 to the late Richard Wayne Eberhard and Lois (Brownie) Eberhard Beckering. His family remembers him as a loving husband, father, brother and uncle who always cared, always shared, and was always giving of his love.

David will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda, daughters Madeline Eberhard and Elizabeth Fonacier, granddaughter Lola Petrack, step-daughters Laura (Scott) Trenary and Kelly (Jacob)Trouba, sister Jane Young, his many cousins, nieces and nephews who considered “Uncle David” the patriarch of the Eberhard family. David was pre-deceased by his sister, Linda Burckley, in 2021.

David grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1969. He attended Albion college, Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University graduating with a Degree in Business. He joined the family grocery business, Eberhard Foods, and held numerous positions in the company before launching his own company Great Lakes Wholesale, a distribution company that became the largest distributor of over-the-counter drug store products in the United States. In addition, he owned and operated several dollar stores in western Michigan.

David lived each day as though it was his last, and throughout his health struggles, kept his wonderful sense of humor and infectious laugh. He was an armchair historian and avid reader of past and current events. He was admired for his generosity, insight, attention to detail, and fun-loving spirit. David was cherished as a great friend and confidant to many, and a devoted son, father and husband.

David was an avid skier, tennis player, sailor and golfer and stayed active his entire life. As a member of Wuskowhan Players Club in West Olive, Michigan and Club Pelican Bay in Naples, Florida, he spent every week on the golf course. He loved his MSU Spartans, faithfully watching every basketball and football game while keeping track of their statistics over the past 60 years.

He is fondly remembered by his legions of friends for his witty sayings or “Ebisms”, his organization of golf outings and events, his love of sharing his passion for wine and conversation, as well as being everyone’s “swing coach” on the golf course.

David spent his summers at his home on Lake Michigan, enjoying the magnificent sunsets and beach bonfires he loved to share with his entire family and friends. We are grateful for his legacy of love.

Memorials will be held in Naples, Florida on February 24, and in Michigan in June. David will be laid to rest at Graceland Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions be sent to Camp Blodgett’s Babies Welfare Guild, P.O. Box 6645, Grand Rapids, MI 49516 or First Tee of Michigan https://firstteewestmichigan.org/donate.