David Bissard

Strong-willed, loving, and honorable, David Bissard lived a life rich in faith, family, and service. Though disciplined and strict, David possessed a dry sense of humor and an infectious smile. He relished time with family, traveling, and supporting his community with acts of service. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, David will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

Despite the obvious gloom of the Great Depression, the power of hope undulated in the hearts of many. With a natural drive to not just endure but thrive in the face of uncertainty, the nation continued to put one foot in front of the other to build a better future. Nowhere was there more hope for the future than in the home of Joseph and Margaret Bissard as they welcomed their son David to their family on July 27, 1933, on the family farm in Mancelona, Michigan.

Along with his older brothers, Wolford and Norman, David grew up on the farm where they raised vegetables and learned the value of hard work. He attended a small one-room schoolhouse in Mancelona and had a typical childhood of the time. Once, he and his friend Toby climbed into the backhoes that were being used to fix the road and took them on a joy ride.

As a student at Mancelona High School, David played offensive guard on the football team, earning All-State honors for his play. After graduating in 1952, David moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Two years later, he enlisted in the armed forces. As a proud Marine Sergeant, he was stationed in Japan and served as tank driver during the Korean Conflict.

After safely returning home, David met the love of his life, Danne Mae. David’s brother Norm was dating a girl named Dolly, who introduced David to her sister, Danne Mae. The pair began dating and soon planned to share the future. The happy couple married in 1956 at Sacred Heart Church and settled into their first home on Pulawski Street NW.

In 1960, David and Danne Mae moved to Markwood Lane, which was one of the first houses in the area. In time, they were blessed to welcome four children to their family. Mari Jo, Jeannie, Kathy, and John were the centers of their world.

For a time, David worked in tool and die at Jarecki, where he met many lifelong friends. He worked from 7 AM to 3:30 PM every day and then would work on many rental properties in the evening. He owned many rental apartments and homes and often brought his children with him to help manage the many tasks required to maintain them. A strict father, David held his children to high expectations and worked a great deal to provide for his family. Following his time at Jarecki, he worked in tool and die for Reynolds Metals and General Motors.

At the age of 57, David retired from GM, and he and Danne Mae traveled a lot. They traveled with their family to Gettysburg many times, and as a couple, they explored the country and the world. Some of their most memorable trips included travels to China, Russia, Japan, Israel, Greece, Alaska, and Europe.

Closer to home, David loved his family. He never showed a difference between his children and their spouses and enjoyed watching the Detroit Lions with all of his sons. Hosting large Christmas get-togethers at his home and spending time at his cottage on Barlow Lake were treasured times, as was going to Traverse City with his daughter Mari Jo to visit his grandsons and go thrifting. David was a member of the Polish Falcon golf league up until his death. He enjoyed golfing with his sons at Yankee Springs, The Mines, and Western Greens.

David was a dedicated parishioner of Holy Spirit Parish. In his older years, he became more active in faith service work and taught Bible study in the prisons. An active fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, David was a proud lifetime member of the Polish Falcons and spent many years volunteering at the Grand Rapid Police Department, where he was a “little cop” who wrote tickets for illegal parked cars and tagged bikes.

As we celebrate David’s life, may we find comfort in our many treasured memories and the honor of carrying his proud legacy of patriotism, hard work, service, and faith forward in our own lives.

David E. Bissard of Grand Rapids, MI passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on Friday, January 24, 2025. He was born in the summer of 1933 to the late Joseph and Margaret Bissard. Along with his parents, David is preceded in death by his wife Danne Mae, his granddaughter Nikki Thompson, his brothers Wolford and Norman Bissard.

David is survived by his children: Mari Jo (Dan) Thompson, Jeannie (John) Wolbert, Kathy (John) Hawkins and John (Debbie) Bissard. David leaves behind his grandchildren Johnny Wolbert, Justin (Shawna) Wolbert, Katie Thompson, Benjamin (Rebecca) Hawkins, Mary Margaret (Jonathon) Boarts, Stephanie (Ryan) Martin, Jessica (Eric Davilla) Bissard, Kristen Bissard, Anna Bissard; and many great-grandchildren, as well as his sister in-law Bonnie Hoekstra.

David loved his family and spending time at his cottage, on Barlow Lake. David enjoyed going to Traverse City with his daughter Mari Jo to see his grandsons and he loved going thrifting. David was still a member of the Polish Falcon golf league and loved golfing with his sons.

David was a dedicated parishioner of Holy Spirit Parish. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a proud lifetime member of the Polish Falcons. He spent many years as a volunteer of the Grand Rapid Police Department. David served his country with pride as a US Marine as a tank driver in the Korean War.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr. NW Grand Rapids, 49504. Friends are invited to visit with family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 28 from 4-7 PM, with a Rosary at 6:30pm. Visitation will also take place one hour prior to the funeral at the church, starting at 10:00 AM.

Burial will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be directed to the Polish Falcons David Bissard Building Maintenance Legacy Fund.