David Jon Dirkse's Obituary
Mr. David J. Dirkse, age 73, of Spring Lake passed away Friday, July 14, 2017 at the Heartwood Lodge Hospice Residence. He was born December 12, 1943 in Grand Haven to Charles G. and Roberta A. (Campbell) Dirkse.
David graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School in 1962 and proudly served his country with the U. S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He formerly owned and operated Twin Oaks Blueberry Farm in Nunica for 23 years. He had worked as a blueberry farmer for 44 years and then went into marketing for the blueberry industry. He finished his blueberry years as an independent consultant and had also served as President of the Michigan Blueberry Growers Association.
Dave was a member of the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28 and the Grand Haven Eagles #925. He also loved fishing and watching the Carolina Panthers.
He is survived by two daughters – Elizabeth “Liz” (Edward) Porter of Spring Lake and Sarah (Mike) Goldman of Nunica; one son William “Will” (Holly) Dirkse of Spring Lake; five grandchildren – Alisen, Anna, Jacob, Charlie, and Felix; and the mother of his children – Jennifer Ames of Spring Lake. Also surviving are two brothers – Paul (Judy) Dirkse of Fruitport and Donald (MaryBeth) Dirkse of Granbury, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ruth Ann Borst, and his brother Charles C. Dirkse.
A graveside service for David will be held 1:00 P.M. Friday, August 11, 2017 at the Spring Lake Township Cemetery with Rev. Michael Goers officiating. Military Rites will be performed by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28. Memorial contributions in memory of David may be given to the American Legion Boys State or Girls State, or Hospice of North Ottawa Community. You are invited to sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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