1945
2017
David Ray Church passed peacefully from this world on April 9, 2017 with his wife, Eileen and his brother, Jim by his side. Born February 9, 1945 to Thelma (Ash) and Chester "Chet" Church in Lansing Michigan, Dave was a lifelong resident of DeWitt. Shortly after high school, he hired into Oldsmobile, received his Machine Repairman Apprenticeship, then joined the United States Navy where he served two years active duty and four years reserve during the Vietnam War. He returned to Oldsmobile and retired after 35 years.
Dave married his love, Eileen (Northrup) on May 9, 1970, and they had two sons: Troy and Jeffrey.
In 1981, Dave and Eileen, with much help from friends and family, built a cottage on Lily Lake in Harrison, Michigan, where they spent much of their free time until they bought a second home in Nokomis, Florida in 2002 where they spent up to 6 months of each year thereafter.
Dave's favorite activities were bowling, golf, snowmobiling, Hot Rods and car shows, and membership in the Hawg & Hack car club. Dave maintained close contact with many of his high school classmates until his passing. His pride and joy was a 1967 Plymouth GTX (Belvedere) 440 which he drove on Hot Rod Power Tours and used to travel the country.
Surviving are Eileen, his wife of 47 years; sons, Troy and Jeffrey; brother, Jim (Rodena) Church; sister-in-law, Janet Goelz; many nieces and nephews; great- nieces and nephews; and great-great-nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss "The Ice Cream Man."
He was predeceased by his parents, Chet and Thelma; in-laws, Harry and Marie Northrup; brother-in-law, Harold Goelz; nephew, Douglas Church; and great- nephew, Grant Church.
The family will receive visitors Sunday April 16, 2017 from 2-5pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, DeWitt Chapel. Visitation will also take place Monday April 17, 2017 from 9-11 am at The Catholic Community of St. Jude in DeWitt, with the Funeral Mass and burial immediately following.
Those desiring may make donations in memory of Dave to Eaton Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813 or McLaren Hospice, 1515 Cal Drive, Davison, MI 48423.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.
April 4, 2019
JAN BARNES
April 4, 2019
Friend
ROBERT BARANYK
NOT MUCH MORE I CAN SAY DAVE, EXCEPT WE MISS YOU. HAD A LOT OF GREAT TIMES WITH YOU. WE KNOW YOU WERE A GREAT GUY BY THE WAY YOUR WERE A FAMILY MAN. IF YOUR UPSTAIRS, SAVE ME A SEAT. IF YOUR DOWN STAIRS, TURN THE TEMPERATURE DOWN WHEN I GET THERE......................BB
April 23, 2017
BB Baranyk
Dear Eileen, Troy, Jeff, and Family.
Our deepest sympathy's to you all. We had great times with Dave golfing and bowling. And at the DAV after golfing. Dave will be sadly missed by us.
Phyllis and Robert Baranyk of Venice Fl.
April 17, 2017
Larry Eichelberger
Dear Eileen, Troy Jeff and family,
We are so sorry to hear abut Dave's passing. Larry and Dave worked together at GM where Larry was a maintenance supervisor for 36 years before his retirement after his stroke. Larry often worked with Dave on the machine repairs. Larry remembers Dave fondly and was saddened to learn of his passing. Dave always had a nice 'hello' and stopped to talk whenever he saw Larry while shopping at Meijer here in Dewitt.
We send our sincere condolences for your loss, we will keep Dave and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Regards,
Larry Eichelberger (Marlee)
April 16, 2017
Denny & Kolene Dubendorf
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this time of loss. May God bless and comfort you continually!
April 15, 2017
Ted & Tammie Gangloff
Troy & Jeff,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. May all the good memories help to get you thorough the rough times ahead.
You are in our thoughts.
April 14, 2017
Ted and Monte Ruble
Sending our deepest sympathy. We remember the good times at our Church family reunions at Leslie, Mason, Spring Arbor and Bath. May you find comfort with those surrounding you at this time. Sorry we can't be there. Love, Ted and Monte Ruble
April 13, 2017
Karen Church
So sorry about Dave prayers & hugs
April 13, 2017
Linda Scranton
So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was a very good friend to my husband Terry. Before Terry passed away a year ago they would spend hours talking on the phone about cars. He will be missed. Linda Scranton
April 13, 2017
JAN BARNES
I WILL MISS DAVE AT THE CAR SHOWS AS HE WAS ALWAYS GREAT TALK WITH ABOUT ALL THINGS.
April 13, 2017
Diane & Jim Paquet
So sad to learn about Dave but he is at peace and pain free. I still remember the smile on his face at his surprise birthday party in Florida. He certainly will be missed and Tuesday night dinners will not be the same. Prayers and condolences to Eileen, Jeff and Troy. Rest in Peace my dear friend.
April 12, 2017
Dorie Wallace
April 12, 2017
Loretta Schwaner
Dave You were a good friend and neighbor. Thank you for being there for me. May you Rest In Peace. Give my love to Tom.
I will miss your seafood chowder. God speed
Love Loretta
April 12, 2017
Doug Isanhart
Dave Church: My DeWitt classmate, teammate and friend. It was Dave's persistence that gave the community of DeWitt reason to honor the 1961 State Championship Football team. This was an extra special act on Dave's part, as he did not play football. He did play basketball on some very good Panther teams. Thanks for all you did for so many, Dave. Rest in peace with all the other Panthers that have left us. Death is just another door opening to somewhere else. All of us will know where that door opens to.
Doug Isanhart
Class of '64
April 12, 2017
Jan Barnes
April 12, 2017
Rose Rice
Prayers to David's Family. RIP David, you will be missed at least your not in pain any more and your in a better place with God. God Bless You
April 11, 2017
Eileen, Troy,Jeff and Family
Prayers to you at this time I will miss our talks and our car auctions and shows.He is now with God and not suffering anymore. Gods Blessings to all of you.
Bob and Pat Wendt Nokomis Fl
April 11, 2017
George Klingler
You made a positive mark on humanity Dave. RIP my friend. Prayers to your family.
Georeg and Sue Klingler
April 11, 2017
Virginia McCarthy
My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of David, truly a wonderful husband and father. Your loss is a difficult one, but God holds him close now and may this help you in the days ahead.
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