David H. Jirikovic's Obituary
After 8 long years battling Lyme Disease and Lewy Body Dementia, David Henry Jirikovic, age 71, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, surrounded by Lisa, his beloved wife, his family and close friends. He fought a courageous battle and is now at peace, dancing with the angels.
David was born on October 11, 1952, in Jackson, MI, to Elmer and Beth (Ellinger) Jirikovic. He graduated in 1970 from Northwest High School in Jackson, Michigan, as an honor student and a top athlete, then went on to receive a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology and his Master of Business Administration from Lake Superior State College. At LSSC he received accolades for outstanding performance in track and field, fencing, and wrestling. He was a fierce competitor and a kind teammate. He earned a spot on the podium in the 1974 NCAA Division III National Wrestling Championship, finishing in sixth place and receiving all American honors.
David’s career centered on electric metering, and he worked his way from management to Vice President at Edison Sault Electric Company in northern Michigan. He then left to work for Consumer’s Energy, retiring in 2016. He was always a hardworking and dedicated employee. In Dave’s final position at Consumer’s, he headed the engineering team that designed and developed the smart electric meters we now have for our homes and businesses. He was delighted and took pride in knowing that he and Lisa were the first recipients in Michigan to receive the smart meter for their home. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes to make people laugh. For many years, Dave spoke at GLEMS (Great Lakes Electric Meter School) conferences, both as the emcee as well as presenting and teaching topics on electric metering. In addition, he often mentored others from all over the country on electric metering. Dave always started out with one of his many jokes, for which he will be long remembered.
On December 30, 2005, he married the former Lisa Byersmith, and they spent many wonderful years together. David was an avid dancer and loved doing West Coast swing, hustle, ballroom, and Latin dancing with Lisa, even building a dance floor in their home. Over the years he won several West Coast Swing dance competitions in Michigan and always enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship of the dance community. For many years, he participated with Lisa in our local fundraiser, Dancing with the Local Stars, supporting our local food pantries. He showed up at each group and individual practice, helping Lisa’s dance partners and filling in for community stars or pros missing from a practice, always showing up with a crazy nametag with different names like “Justin Credible” to display his wonderful sense of humor. He performed on many occasions, including 3 different years of individual performances with Lisa for Dancing with the Local Stars. Dave and Lisa were also asked to voluntarily teach dance lessons at many fundraising events over the years. Lisa deeply grieves the life and loss of her favorite dance partner, but is grateful for the many years of delightful dancing they enjoyed together.
In addition to deeply loving Lisa, Dave loved his children, family, and close friendships from over the years. He treasured his relationship with his daughter, Lynde, and loved times spent laughing, dancing and just being together. Dave also loved to hike, travel, play cards, and spend hours and hours in his yard and garden. Dave loved roses and took great pride in his beautiful rose garden.
David will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Lisa Jirikovic; two children: David (Elissa) Jirikovic Jr. and Lynde (Kahler Schuemann) Diaz; one grandson, Nils Jirikovic; five siblings: Roger (Jill) Jirikovic, Lynette Wassemiller, Lavonne Raymor, Raven (Sego Jackson) Jirikovic, and Steve Jirikovic; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. David was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law: Rod Raymor and Jerry Wassemiller; and two stillborn grandchildren: Andrew and Brynn Diaz. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be taking place for David at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Lake Harbor United Methodist Church, 4861 Henry St, Norton Shores, MI 49441, with VISITATION taking place an hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or the Michigan Lyme Disease Association. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444.
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