David Schuch

David Schuch was a vibrant person who loved all people. He lived his life richly with positivity and being in his presence was a true honor. There wasn’t a person that David didn’t come to know in his generous way of making even a stranger feel like they were important and special. He had an immense love of life and modeled authentic and selfless giving to each and every person he met. Sadly, he passed away and his extraordinary life will be fondly remembered for years to come.

The 1960’s were characterized by great social changes. Many Americans believed they were standing at the dawn of a golden age. At the beginning of this promising decade in our nation’s history, folk music was evolving thanks to young artists like Bob Dylan and the birth of The Beach Boys grew in popularity. Meanwhile, in England, The Beatles were making hits that were exploding the music industry. In 1963, Donald and Beverly Schuch welcomed home their first born of four children, David, on June 21, 1963, in Petoskey, Michigan. It seems incredibly fitting that he was born in what was known as the era of optimism.

Born to a set of hardworking parents and growing up along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Dave lived a happy childhood. He showed early signs of being an entrepreneur when he began collecting and selling rocks he had hand painted to his neighbors. Dave never lacked for adventure or the ability to problem solve. Once when he was concerned he might be late for school by a stationary train that was blocking his routine path, he simply crawled underneath it! When a classmate didn’t have any lunch money, Dave simply gave him his own lunch until his parents noticed he was coming home hungry and then they gave him enough lunch money for two! He was an amazing big brother over the years. He and his younger brothers loved to play outdoors for hours. Once they moved the swing set slide so that they landed right in the middle of a large mud puddle! Dave loved to play just about any sport and always included his younger siblings. When he was a teen, he was content fishing at the Lake Michigan waterfront for hours upon hours. His dad would drop him off and he never complained. With a desire to earn an income, he started his own small business selling Muskrat pelts. Ambitious and driven, he would walk through the snow to check on the set traps every day. About that same time, his athletic career took off where he excelled at both football and baseball. He was often the dirtiest player on the field as he’d convince his teammates to slide down the hill when it was raining! He always gave 120% and was any coach’s dream! They loved his strong work ethic, determination, and winning attitude. After graduating from Petoskey High School, he earned a degree in Computer Science from Central Michigan University where he also participated on the JV baseball team.

Not to be forgotten was the day he married his high school sweetheart, Sarah! They started out as friends and began dating his senior year in high school. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, they joined in marriage at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Petoskey. Together, they raised their two sons, Matthew and Eric. Just as he took an active role as being an older brother, he relished in his years of being a father. As a father, Dave was known to be stubborn, yet loving. Although his sons didn’t play football, he coached them in baseball when they were young. Both boys fell in love with hockey. Although it was whole new territory for him, he became their biggest fan!

A good provider, Dave made his career with State Farm Insurance. Starting off as an analyst in Bloomington, Illinois before ultimately becoming an agent and having his own office in Zeeland, Michigan. As a salesman, he never did it to just make money. He built lasting relationships with his clients and genuinely cared for them just like they were a part of his own family. No one could ever say Dave was not fair or greedy as he always had the best interest of clients at heart. A natural success in the business, he earned several trips over the years. He especially enjoyed visiting Hawaii as well as a memorable trip to Idaho to fly fish with his sons.

For enjoyment, Dave held a wide variety of interests. In addition to coaching and playing baseball, he enjoyed fishing in the Pere Marquette River with his close friends and family. He took a lot of pride in making others happy often entertaining them on his boat or around his swimming pool. A lifetime lover of baseball, he’d generously be the first person to get tickets to treat his family and father to a Detroit Tigers game. He loved going to the field and being in the baseball atmosphere. A beer and a hotdog at the game was his favorite type of dinner! He also loved to quote his favorite movies while playing cards with his hockey buddies late into the evening! He was a fierce competitor and would often play just one more hand if anyone else was in the lead! His laughter filled up the room as his one-liners and favorite quotes freely flowed around any gathering.

Dave lived his life selflessly giving of his time and his resources. Whenever anyone needed him for advice, he was always there without judgment. He valued relationships and often gave his advice about the importance of planning for the future. He sincerely wanted the best for everyone. Dave was very active in the community he loved. He was a member of the Zeeland Chamber of Commerce, the President of the Zeeland Rotary Club, and a Camp Sunshine board member. An active parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake Church, he drew great strength from his faith and great joy from helping others in need. Although he will be deeply missed by so many, his rich legacy of love and passion for his community will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

David James Schuch, age 53, from Holland, Michigan passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2017. Dave is survived by his wife, Sarah, and two sons, Matthew and Eric as well as Thor, his four-legged best friend. Dave is the oldest of his three other siblings, Dean (Cheryl), Mark (Renee) and Karen. Dave is also survived by his wife’s family: Warren “Pete” and Pat Parker, Jill Kempter, Jenny (Darryl) Ernst and Gretchen Parker. Dave is cherished by his many nieces and nephews: Paul and Grace Kempter, Andrew and Erica Schuch, Ryan and Carsyn Schuch, Trevor, Payton, Montanna and Talan McCumby. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Karmanos Pancreatic Center, Camp Sunshine, the Father Solanus Center, or Our Lady of the Lake Church.