David Rozelle

David Lester Rozelle, of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, at Rose Arbor. He was 88 years old.

David was born on October 10, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Corwin and Marcelle (Kiley) Rozelle. He spent his high school years in Toledo, Ohio, and upon graduation answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.

Following his military service, David began a career in parks and recreation, serving as assistant director of both the City of Toledo and later the Lucas County recreation departments. In 1963, he married the love of his life, Sandy, beginning a remarkable partnership that spanned 62 years.

Together they moved to East Lansing, where David earned a master's degree in history. The couple later settled in Kalamazoo, where David embarked on a distinguished academic career. While teaching history, he pursued and earned a second master's degree in accounting. He went on to serve as a professor of accounting at Western Michigan University for 38 years. Among his greatest joys at the university was serving as faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting honor fraternity, mentoring countless students as they prepared for their professional careers.

David loved sailing and spent many happy years with a boat on Gull Lake. He and Sandy also shared a passion for travel, exploring much of Europe together, with France and Italy holding fond places in their hearts.

In 2001, after battling serious heart disease and surviving a devastating heart attack followed by bypass surgery, David received the extraordinary gift of a life-saving heart transplant. Determined to honor that gift, he took up running and found great joy in participating in 5K races. His dedication and perseverance earned him numerous gold medals in Donate Life America-sponsored transplant games at the local, national, and international levels, competing in Spain, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Sweden.

Following his retirement from Western Michigan University in 2008, David devoted his time to serving others through Loaves & Fishes. For many years he helped operate the Parchment Loaves & Fishes food pantry, where his kindness, compassion, and commitment made a lasting impact on countless individuals and families.

A man of deep faith, David was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo. He faithfully served his church as a member of the Session and as treasurer.

David will be remembered as a devoted husband, respected educator, faithful servant, accomplished athlete, and compassionate volunteer. His resilience, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others touched many lives and leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Sandy, along with his family, friends, former students, church family, and the many people whose lives were enriched by his kindness and example.

A memorial service for David will be on Saturday, August 22, at 2 PM at First Presbyterian Church 321 W South St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

In lieu of flowers, please direct any donations in David's memory to Loaves & Fishes of Gift of Life Michigan.

Please visit David's memorial webpage to share condolences and memories with his family at https://www.Langelands.com