David Dahlstrom's Obituary
David Victor Dahlstrom, 72, of Grand Haven joined the heavenly chorus on Sunday, March 16, after a courageous fight with prostate cancer. He passed away peacefully at Heartwood Lodge with family members at his side.
David was born May 27, 1941, in Muskegon to D. Edward and Kathleen M. Dahlstrom. The family lived in Whitehall until 1951 and then in Grand Rapids for two years before moving to Grand Haven in 1953. Except for college and military service, David lived in Grand Haven the remainder of his life.
He graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1959 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Valparaiso (Ind.) University in 1963. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force at Andrews AFB outside Washington, D.C., attaining the rank of captain.
David moved back to Grand Haven and worked at Challenge Machinery Co. in human resources and purchasing, retiring in 2012 after almost 45 years of service.
He is survived by four sons, Jeffrey of Grand Haven, Adam (fiancée Cody Westendorf) of Grand Haven, Michael (Sarah) of Wyoming, Mich., and U.S. Army Capt. David (Elizabeth) of Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri; one brother, Don (Kathy) of Grand Haven; one sister, Anne (Martin) Riepma of Wellington, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Delaney and Dylan Dahlstrom, Chloe and Clementine Westendorf, Tyler and Lydia Dahlstrom, and Elaina Dahlstrom; and numerous other relatives. He also leaves behind his former wife, Barb (Bob) Schulz, and special friends Mike Anthes and Rob Michmerhuizen. He was predeceased by his parents.
David loved his family unconditionally and was proud of all his sons and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren, especially on trips to the library and summer concerts at Central Park. He liked rides around the lakefront, reading at the library and people-watching in the summer at Bicentennial Park.
His favorite hobby was collecting – and listening to – all types of music, but especially folk, rock and pop from the 1950s to the 1980s and jazz. He was always on the search for more “tunes.” He could spend hours in stores – either by himself or with friends or family – looking through record album and CD bins.
A celebration of his life will be held at 1 PM Wednesday, March 19, at St. John Lutheran Church, with Rev. Dieter Haupt officiating. Family members will greet friends at noon, and a luncheon will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Heartwood Hospice, c/o North Ottawa Community Health System. Please sign the family’s online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven.
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