David Reisterer

Special to those who knew and loved him, Dave Reisterer was a man who lived to the beat of his own drummer. Never one to follow the crowd, he wasn't too concerned about materialistic views, but rather focused on matters of the heart. Genuine with a sensitive side, Dave loved and appreciated his family and many who called him friend. Although deeply missed, Dave leaves much to be remembered in the hearts of many.

Born on March 10, 1937, David was the son of Theodore and June (McWhirter) Reisterer of Kalamazoo, Michigan. A most welcome event in the lives of his parents, and although it continued to be a time of struggle, the Depression was slowly coming to an end and hope was on the horizon.

David enjoyed a childhood typical of the times. At the age of five he welcomed the birth of his sister, Michelyn "Miki", and made numerous neighborhood friends in the Kalamazoo neighborhood where he was raised. From his earliest years, David was a personable and social young man. He made friends easily, and could strike up a conversation with nearly anyone, just like his father. David's dad worked in a local restaurant before getting a job as a bank courier, which suited his social nature. His mother also worked as a clothing clerk at a few area boutiques in town.

Following high school and at the age of 19, David and three friends set out on an adventure all their own. They built a mobile home, and for the next year traveled around the U.S. Dave loved this time in his life. Although they never had any money to speak of, odd jobs were picked up wherever they landed earning just enough for food and gas. Dave used the card skills and tricks his uncle Ed taught him when he dealt cards in Las Vegas. From California to Texas, Colorado and all the places in between, Dave even worked in junk-yards and had to look out for rattlesnakes. He was in awe at the sight of the Grand Canyon where he and his friends rode donkeys to the bottom of the canyon. And when they finally returned home, were they ever hungry!

Not only was this year good for them, but it also helped them mature. Another time in Dave's life, which also gave him much insight was when he enlisted in the U.S Air Force. From 1956 to 1960, Dave worked in the office while stationed in Salina, Kansas. He even coached basketball to the kids on base. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Dave could easily coax others to help with a few of his endeavors. When he began his business of making and selling sandwiches on base, it was a profitable effort for all.

After the service, Dave studied at Western Michigan University for a time where he met and married his first wife, Patricia Shields. The year 1963 was his best by far when he became the proud father of his daughter, Susan Mary. After nine years of marriage, Dave and his wife parted ways, but he was forever grateful for the daughter he shared from their union.

Dave worked at the Retail Credit Company in Kalamazoo where for 20 years he served as an underwriter. He went on to play in and managed many softball teams, and was very proud of taking his teams to the championships. Before long he took an interest in golf, and did well for himself in that sport, too. Always athletic, Dave played on a States Golf League and later at Angels Crossing Golf Course.

Love was not lost for Dave. Through friends on his softball team, Dave was introduced to Gail Rypkema. They were married on November 2, 1974 in a small ceremony at St. Luke's Episcopal Church and celebrated with a party at Candlewick. They ventured as far as St. Joseph for their honeymoon, encountering a big ice storm along the way. While in St. Joseph they saw Jimmy Connors who was there for an exhibition tennis match. After the match, they headed for home. Nothing fancy or filled with fanfare, Dave and Gail were just as happy to begin their new lives together.

Dave and Gail settled in Vicksburg where they continued to remain for the rest of their days together. With their shared love of sports, he and Gail attended many sporting events. They often went out for dinner and to the movies. Even though they both loved people, they always enjoyed the comforts of home.

After Dave became a residential real estate broker, he began his own business, "New Concept". Upon retiring, Dave looked forward to meeting the guys at Theo and Stacy's Restaurant for breakfast every morning, without fail, from Monday through Saturday. Since 1996, Dave thoroughly enjoyed this time of fellowship until the last time he was able to join them last Friday.

A social sort, Dave always had a joke to share and a smile on his face. Everyone loved hearing his stories. With his wonderful sense of humor, he loved entertaining people. Dave added his own unique mannerisms, and even changed his voice for effect; and was truly good at it! Those in his company loved how he could keep it light and entertaining.

Dave had a very high IQ and was a deep thinker. He loved history and crossword puzzles. He worried about his family, he often said, "I want you to be careful" . . . and he expected a response! One of his favorites places to go was to the local A&W Root Beer stand. Always the sports fan, Dave was especially fond of Notre Dame football. He loved dogs, and treasured his dog, "Lucky" as a boy. When he went to school with him, he patiently waited outside for Dave until one of the nuns finally invited Lucky in. As a teen he had "Cubby", a chow, and "Thor", a boxer. Although Gail was a cat lady, Dave fed all the dogs in the neighborhood.

Family meant everything to Dave. He loved his grandchildren: Amanda, Andrew and Emily, and was proud of them. A traditional man who wasn't afraid to express his sentimental side, Dave saved every card. He maintained material things were meaningless, and felt nurturing one's relationship with family and friends was the greatest joy in life. A kindhearted and genuine soul, Dave had an emotional side. It didn't take much for him to shed a tear, as he simply just loved his family and good friends.

Last October, Dave suffered a heart attack. After stent surgery, he was diagnosed with COPD and emphysema, and this past spring, congestive heart failure. After 60 years of smoking, Dave came to be very respectful of the damage it could do. Although no one knew he had a beautiful singing voice because he sang in the shower, smoking took its toll on his voice.

One thing David T. Reisterer's illnesses could not steal was his love of family. At the age of 77, Dave's life trip ended at home with his loved ones on Tuesday, September 2, 2014. Learn more about Dave, and visit with his family and friends on Thursday from 5-8 PM at the Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler–Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive (375-2900). Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Msgr. Mike Hazard Celebrant. Following the Mass, food and fellowship will be shared in the church hall. Burial will take place at a later date in Vicksburg Cemetery. Dave is survived by his wife, Gail Anne; daughter, Susan Mary (Roger) Rathburn; three grandchildren: Amanda (Trevor) McEnroe, Andrew and Emily Rathburn; his sister, Michelyn Burkett and her family. Please visit Dave’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of him and sign his online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or St. Joseph Catholic Church.