David DeWitt

A man of wisdom and abundant faith, David knew what was important in life, that there was nothing more valuable, more lasting or more rewarding than giving all he could possibly give of himself to his Lord, his beloved wife and his cherished family. He was a man of many talents who used his abilities to make a wonderful life for his loved ones. Friends and family respected David greatly, both for his fervent faith and his unconditional love, values that helped him make a lasting impression on everyone around him.

1928 represented a brief period of peace and prosperity for the United States. After fighting World War I and before the stock market crash that would lead to the Great Depression, Americans celebrated medical advances that led to the discovery of penicillin, while on the technological front, the first television was sold, sparking a huge cultural trend. For Frank Edward DeWitt and his wife, Leta (Kirkbride), of Grand Rapids, Michigan, it wasn’t a television set that they welcomed into their home that year, but something even more extraordinary – their son, David, born on March 19, 1928. David was the middle of three children in his family and grew up during the summer months in Grand Rapids and the winter months in Florida. His father earned a living selling produce, so the family were seasonal travelers, going to where the “produce” was – being far from the snow was a nice perk too! Growing up in two different states meant that David had to attend school in both places too. He liked to play baseball, and was definitely known for getting into his fair share of mischief, though he’d never admit that to anyone.

David went on to graduate from high school in both Florida and Michigan in 1946. It wasn’t long after that David was introduced to the love of his life, Margaret VanHoutum, and they were married on October 7, 1948 with a honeymoon at Niagara Falls. After saying “I do,” the happy couple lived in a few different houses before putting down roots on Maryland NE. It was here that David and Margaret would raise their four children: Marty, Mary Lou, Wayne and Keith and share many wonderful memories as a family. Everyone felt right at home at the DeWitt’s house and their pool was usually the gathering place for many great times with family, friends and neighbors in the summer.

David was a man of many talents, and although he was truly skillful at woodworking and carpentry, his true calling in life was in sales. He started as a salesman working for his in-laws at their business, Folgers Bottling Company, where he sold and delivered products like Orange Crush. Eventually, David left to work for Hostess Cake for a while before taking a job with Quality Creamery. His kids would often help him on his route when they didn’t have school so he could get home sooner and spend time with them. David enjoyed helping his kids with their school projects and there was always time to entertain visitors. Camping was something they loved to do as a family and when David worked for Hostess, he would convert his truck into a motor home on the weekends, complete with bunks, awning and screen door. They also took trips to Florida to visit David’s parents.

Towards the end of David’s career, he worked for Midwest Refrigeration (now Young Supply) and went on to retire from Apco Refrigeration. One of the perks of being a salesman was that David met people from all walks of life, and being a “people person,” he enjoyed connecting with everyone and making new friends. Although work kept him busy, David was home most nights and when he had to be away, he always took Margaret with him. David cherished his wife Margaret, and a day never passed when he did not tell her just how much he loved her. He devoted his life to loving and caring for her in every way he could. Their love was truly a “tremendous role model of marriage” for everyone around them.

After David retired, he and Margaret hit the high seas, enjoying numerous cruises to warm tropical places. They also enjoyed time on the boat they owned with their son and when their anniversary rolled around, they would take a color tour up north, admiring the beauty of fall. And what would retirement be without having their grandchildren around to spoil. David and Margaret were doting grandparents and they loved watching their grandkids and having slumber parties with popcorn and malts. They took them on trips too. It was fun for the grandkids to see Grandpa David’s extensive collection of rabbit figurines that he had on display.

David had a successful career and was a man of many interests, but it was the moments he shared with those he loved that meant the world to him. Nothing made him happier than to have his family together, sharing a meal, perhaps his famous steaks on the grill. Yet, there was an even greater love for David and that was for his Lord. His life was built on the bedrock of his great faith, the inner compass that guided every day of his life. It wasn’t necessary for David to tell others of his faith, for his commitment to his Creator was always evident in the way he led his life. He was a devout member of Calvary Reformed Church on Fulton Street where he taught Sunday school and catechism classes and served as an Elder and Deacon for several years. David read his Bible often and prayed faithfully for all. David had such a wonderful baritone voice that everyone admired at church and at home and he would sing while Margaret accompanied him on the organ or piano. Sadly, David lost his beloved wife Margaret in 2010 after 62 wonderful years together.

With faith as his guide, David accomplished much in life and loved abundantly. As he grew older his memory began to cloud and he moved to Rest Haven. It was difficult for his family to see his sharp mind fade, but he is now restored and in the presence of his Creator.

David E. DeWitt, age 85, of Grand Rapids, MI passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, and their daughter, Mary Lou Lammers, and grandson, Chad Burgess. David is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law: Marty and Sylvia DeWitt, Wayne and Wendy DeWitt, Keith DeWitt; grandchildren: Angela and Ron Noble, Heather and Stephen Darlow, Marty DeWitt, Austin DeWitt, Michael and Alicia Burgess, Christopher and Jennifer Burgess; great grandchildren: Lilly Noble, Devin and Logan Darlow; sister, Darla (Harvey) Fredricks; and several nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate David's life will be held on Friday, May 24, at 2 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE, where friends may visit with his family from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Rest Haven Homes are appreciated. To share a favorite memory or photo and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.