David Edward "Dave" Bierstetel

     David Edward "Dave" Bierstetel, age 82, of Pewamo, MI, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2022, surrounded by his family at Good Vibes Adult Foster Care, Pewamo, MI.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pewamo, MI, at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, September 16, 2022, with Rev. Fr. Darrel Kempf presiding.  Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Pewamo, MI.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI. A Rosary will be prayed on Thursday at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

     David was born in Westphalia, Michigan on October 21, 1939, the son of August and Leona M. (Lenneman) Bierstetel.  He graduated from Pewamo High School with the class of 1959.  Dave married Judy Ruhl on July 27, 1963 in Fowler, Michigan.   They were blessed with 49 years of marriage, prior to her passing on August 15, 2012.

     David retired from General Motors as a pipe fitter in 1999.  After retirement, Dave liked helping local families on their farms, primarily with the Cook Farm.  He enjoyed garden tractor pulls, camping, fishing, snowmobiling, and gardening.  He also liked doing puzzles, woodworking and taking drives around the local area, always making sure to stop for ice cream.  Dave and Judy loved traveling together, including yearly trips up north snowmobiling, camping in Caseville with family, casino trips and their trip of a lifetime to Alaska.  He enjoyed spending time with friends at "The Royal Order of the Possums" deer camp.  Dave was very family oriented and cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and in-laws.

     He was part of the Pewamo Volunteer Fire Department for many years.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves.  Dave was a member of the Portland Classic Car Cruisers, where he displayed his 1995 Chevy Caprice Classic proudly. Dave was an active member of his community, always willing to help with lawn mowing and snow removal. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pewamo, where he was also a member of the choir.

     He is survived by his children: Jeff (Jill) Bierstetel of Fowler, MI; Jill Peterson and special friend William Riley of St. Johns, MI; seven grandchildren: Drew, Holly, Taylor, and Trey Bierstetel, Jon Peterson, Britney Burton, and Emily Peterson; siblings: Leon Bierstetel, Monica Hersch, Bernard (Chris) Bierstetel, Paul (Kathy) Bierstetel, Alvin (Jan)  Bierstetel, James (Jane) Bierstetel, Shirley Halfman, and Susan Bierstetel, brothers and sisters- in-law: Alan (Jan) Ruhl, Nancy (John) Whitekus, Elaine Miller, and Bernadette (James) Fox.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Judy, brother Robert Bierstetel, brother and sisters-in-law:  Burt Hersch, Harry Hersch, Annette Bierstetel, William Halfman, and James Ruhl.

    The family would like to make special mention of appreciation to the staff of Good Vibes Adult Foster Care for the excellent care and compassion shown to David, his family and friends.

     Memorials may be made to Good Vibes Adult Foster Care, Pewamo, MI or St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pewamo, MI. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.