David Paul Burkholder

Paul Burkholder, age 88, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2017. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances and brothers, Richard and Lloyd Burkholder. David's family includes his children: Thomas (Shanin) Burkholder and their children, Shelby, Alec, Addyson, and Kendall all of Broomfield, Colorado; Brian (Jamie Jamieson) Burkholder, and Patrick (Valerie) Burkholder and their children, David, Lauren (Matthew), Alexander, Melissa, and Joshua. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law, Sophy Burkholder, Alice Burkholder, and Leigh (Richard) Burnett; and several nieces and nephews. David was a former member of Grand Rapids North Kiwanis, an active member at Fountain St. Church and retired from Old Kent Bank after 40 years of service. A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 6, 2017 at 11 AM at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. Inurnment will be in the Georgetown Twp. Cemetery. Please visit David's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to read his lifestory, archive a memory, photo or to sign the guestbook. For those who wish, a memorial contribution may be made to the Fountain Street Church Memorial Foundation.

Upon returning from the Korean Conflict David studied business at Davenport College and continued working at the bank. Eventually through cousins and mutual friends David met his wife Frances. Frances had recently moved to Michigan from Kentucky to teach school after her graduation from Union College. The two married and chose residence in the Comstock Park area where they raised their 3 sons.

David’s interest included small game hunting and fishing in the woods & streams of Michigan with his brother Richard. Both David and Dick were also avid golfers and known to take a mulligan on occasion. Shortly after David’s boys reached walking age they were also included in these outdoor activities. David spent countless hours with his boys as the baseball catcher for them. All 3 of the boys were known for their wild pitches and shinballs. As the boys entered organized sports David supported them as a member and volunteer of the Northwest Little League Association.

David’s true soul mate was his wife Frances of whom he was married to for 49 years. Both David & Frances shared a wonderful long retirement together. During retirement they filled their days by donating time to God’s Kitchen, traveling around the country seeking further education in Elder Hostels and visiting with the sons and grandchildren.

David Burkholder was a wonderful husband, brother, father, grandfather, and uncle who will be missed by many. He will be fondly remembered for the many kind and caring acts he was known for during his long and wonderful life.