David P. Laarman

Though he was a man of few words, David Laarman was a man of great kindness and humor. Born on July 16, 1947, Dave was a gentle, likeable soul. He loved to tease. He was quick to laugh and lend a hand. It brightened his day to make someone chuckle. He loved to work with his hands and tinker in his garage.

Dave’s earthly journey ended at 3:45 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, with his wife, Jude, by his side, lovingly caring for him. We mourn his passing but rejoice in his New Life. Today, he walks in paradise where there is no more sorrow, no more pain.

Dave and Jude were married 35 years and enjoyed camping with the RV and spending time with family.

Dave bravely served his country in Vietnam, receiving the Bronze Medal for Meritorious Service in a combat zone. Facing enemy fire, Dave—without thought for himself—charged the enemy and defended the line. Because of Dave’s unwavering courage, many men in his unit were spared. We live in freedom thanks to the bravery and dedication of servicemen like him. Sadly, Dave’s exposure to Agent Orange led to many of his health issues as well as cancer later in life.

Dave’s family is especially grateful to police officer Deputy Eric Tubergen who, on Mother’s Day 2014, as a first responder, performed CPR on Dave, saving his life and giving him ten more years to enjoy with family.

David is preceded in death by his parents Bernard Laarman and Jenny Oisten, his son, Brian Laarman, brother-in-law, Kenneth Behrens, and nephews Scott Hoezee and Dustin Behrens. He is survived by his wife, Judy Hoezee Laarman; his siblings, Bernard “Butch” (Bonnie) Laarman and Carol (Doug) Blauw; his children Shelly (Todd) Finnestad and their children, Brock (Brittaney) Finnestad and Jenna (Bryce) Metzger; and Stacey (Mike) Scolnik and their three children, Elijah, Levi, and Brooklyn; his step-children, Shannon (Lisa) Wisniewski and Jason (Erin) Wisniewski, their children and grandchildren; and his Hoezee siblings, Pete (Linda) Hoezee, Linda Behrens, Rose (Marv) Niezink, Mark (Lorraine) Hoezee, and Pat (Dean) Meyer, and many nephews and nieces.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Restlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Dave's honor to the T2T Foundation, a foundation that builds mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes to help our most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders live more independently.