Adolphus Dave David Gauthier

Adolphus “Dave” David Gauthier, age 82, of Traverse City passed away Thursday, April 7, 2016 at Munson Medical Center. He was born September 17, 1933 in Suttons Bay to Noah and Estelle (Leque) Gauthier.

Dave attended St. Francis Catholic High School but left early to join the US Navy, where he later received his G.E.D. While serving his country, Dave spent time in Korea, Japan, and Hawaii. He was discharged in 1954. On March 13, 1954, Dave married the love of his life, Marian Marie Howard at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Together they raised three children.

Dave opened his own meat market, Crystal Frozen Foods, on Front and Wadsworth and successfully ran that business until the mid 1970s, and he was the best meat cutter around. You just had to ask him! After selling his business he went to work at Super Tool in Elk Rapids and worked there for over 20 years.

Dave was very active in the archery competition world, and was first in the state for many years. His archery buddies nick named him “Gokey” and it stuck! Dave enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, and playing golf. He was constantly trying to get his boys to go hunting with him and he succeeded on many occasions. Dave was a valuable volunteer for the Antrim County Meals on Wheels and was always there for anyone who needed help. He took care of his family and always made sure their needs where met. He was a stubborn man who knew everyone, and everyone who knew him, loved him. Dave was always telling dirty jokes and his family knew he was feeling good if he was trying out his jokes on others!

Dave will be greatly missed by his wife of 62 years Marian; children: Jan Marie (Carl) Stephens, Jeffrey Dave (Michele) Gauthier, and Vernon Noah (June Ann) Gauthier all of Traverse City; 7 grandchildren: Erik, Stacie, Jessica Ann, Bethany, Skye, Devin, and Leah; 4 great grandchildren: Kaytrin, Logan, Amaya, and Javier; many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his siblings: Vernon, Thomas, Jean Sheffer, and Louise Schroder.

A funeral will be held Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 1 p.m. at the Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City with visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens with military honors.

Memorial contributions in Dave’s name may be direct to the First Baptist Church, 244 Washington St., Traverse City MI 49684.

Please share a memory and view photos of Dave at www.covellfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Traverse City.