David E. Osterhaven

David Earl Osterhaven of Holland, age 81, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Christmas Day, 2024. He was ushered into eternal life while in the comfort of his home with his loving wife of 55 years, Jean Osterhaven. David leaves behind a legacy marked by enthusiastic service to God, family, Country, and the greater Holland community.

Central Park Church in Holland, where David was a lifetime member, was the bedrock in David’s life and provided a firm foundation for all of his future endeavors. David was heavily involved in church programs as a child and youth. He later served Central Park Church for decades in numerous positions of leadership including Elder, Deacon, Consistory member, Sunday School Treasurer, and more. He was also the go-to man for innumerable challenges and outreach programs. It was at Central Park Church that David kindled his lifelong love of music. He enjoyed singing in the choir and deeply appreciated the church piano and organ repertoire. (Fitting, as he was named after the Psalmist/musician King David.)

Growing up on South Shore Drive, the eldest of four children, David graduated from Harrington Elementary and Holland Christian High School. During those years, he developed a strong work ethic in the neighborhood mowing grass, delivering the GR Press, and working at Montello Grocery. Throughout his life, he maintained a sharp memory of the many colorful characters he knew growing up around the lake shores in the golden 1950’s and 60’s. It was also during those years he learned to play the trumpet, became an Eagle Scout, and began the lasting love of water activities he enjoyed with his family for decades.

David’s optimistic spirit for faithful service was innate. As a young man, David enlisted in the Air Force for four years, serving tours of duty in Vietnam. He excelled in customer service at Howard Miller Clock Company for thirty-nine years. He was a Reserve Police Officer in Holland for twenty-four years, Lieutenant for half of those. For sixteen years he filled many supportive roles and experienced deep personal and spiritual satisfaction working with the wonderful team at Dykstra Funeral Home.

In 1969, David married the love of his life, Jean (Vanden Brink). They were blessed with two cherished children and their families; daughter Jill Raywood and son-in-law Jeff Raywood, son Mark Osterhaven and daughter-in-law Amanda Osterhaven, and grandchildren Eugene Raywood, Oliver Osterhaven, and William Osterhaven. Watching them all grow up and flourish was a source of tremendous pride.

David is also survived by sister Ellen Anker and brother-in-law Roy Anker, brother Calvin Osterhaven and sister-in-law Robin Osterhaven, sister Janice Osterhaven, brother-in-law Don Vanden Brink, sister-in-law Joy Vanden Brink, and brother-in-law Wayne Vanden Brink. He was preceded in death by sister-in-law Karen Vanden Brink, brother and sister-in-law Dale and Marian Vanden Brink, and brother-in-law Kálmán Benedek. David is also remembered as a dear “Uncle Dave” to numerous nieces, nephews, grandnephews and grandnieces. David was the beloved Pater Familias to all after the passing in 2004 of his father M. Eugene Osterhaven and of his mother Margaret Nagy Osterhaven in 2007. David will be greatly missed by his family and by the entire community. He had a huge heart and bestowed his blessings on many.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, January 10, 2025 at Central Park Church, 614 Myrtle Avenue Holland, Michigan 49423. Visitation will be from 10:30-11:45am. The Service will be at noon, with luncheon to follow.

Memorial contributions may be offered to Central Park Church and Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd, Holland, MI 49423.

Professional service entrusted to the Mulder Chapel.