David J. Mills' Obituary
David J. Mills of North Muskegon died in his home on November 22, 2023, at the age of 75. He was the third eldest of the six sons of Herbert and Naola Mills of Muskegon.
Dave is survived by his wife of 40 years, Laurie Visconti Mills, his sons Matthew Mills of North Muskegon (with wife Karissa Mills and young sons Vinny and Murphy) and Taylor Mills of Savannah, Georgia (with wife Kathrina Mills and little daughters Malaya and Lincoln), and his big friendly yellow labs, Charlie and Butch. The focus of Dave’s entire life was the love and support of these individuals.
Beyond his immediate family, Dave's extended and extensive family includes his brothers, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, his North Muskegon boys, many of whom he coached in football; also local building officials and particularly their helpful secretaries, along with his many construction buddies, and with honorable mention, a few special waitresses and bartenders.
Dave was born and spent his early childhood years in a log cabin built by his father on Petauguin Lake in the wilderness of Ontario. The family later moved down to Muskegon, where Dave attended Oakview and Moon Elementary Schools, and Steele Junior High. At Muskegon High School he was on the Big Reds football team and played saxophone in the Symphonic Band.
Like all his brothers, from a young age Dave worked for his dad during summers and weekends, learning the construction trades. He worshipped his dad and strived always to be like him. He also loved to return occasionally to Ontario, where he drove tractors and stacked hay bales on his uncle’s farm.
After graduating from MHS in 1966, Dave received a scholarship from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, where he played football and majored in history and social studies. In football he achieved the All-East designation, and his photograph still hangs on the wall of fame in the Dartmouth locker room. Upon graduation in 1970 he became a social studies teacher and assistant football coach at Muskegon Catholic Central High School.
Before long, Dave left teaching to join his dad and brothers in Mills Construction Co. of Muskegon. After his dad died in 1988, Dave became his mom’s closest friend and ally throughout her remaining years. During Dave’s life in construction, he made many close and lasting friendships, including customers and many businesspeople he dealt with.
Dave’s greatest joys in life were to tackle a difficult construction project, and to spend time with his family.
Dave was a big guy with a big laugh and a big heart. He touched many people throughout his life, and will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Service to celebrate David’s life will be held 3:30 PM Friday, December 1, 2023 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Visitation will begin at 3:00 PM Friday at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions in David’s memory can be made to The Noah Project. Sign the online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com
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