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David Switzer Obituary

David Alfred Switzer

Former Battle Creek resident, David Alfred Switzer, age 68, of Granger, Indiana, went home to God the morning of September 7, 2015. David was born in Evanston, Illinois on April 9, 1947, son of Carlton and Ann (Javorsky) Switzer. He graduated from Evanston Township High School and Michigan Technological University with a degree in electrical engineering. Dave married the love of his life, Shelley Jean Pankow, on July 26, 1969 in Scottville, Michigan. Dave spent his career in electric and gas utility companies - Michigan Power Company and Michigan Gas Company in Three Rivers, Michigan, the Battle Creek Gas Company in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Indiana & Michigan Power in South Bend, Indiana. Dave was always active in volunteering for his community, including church (First United Methodist Church in Three Rivers, Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Battle Creek, and Clay United Methodist Church in South Bend), Rotary Club International, the United Way, Goodwill Industries, and the ETHOS Science Center. He loved spending time with his family, flying remote controlled airplanes, taking pictures and making movies, traveling with family and friends, automating anything electrical, and playing "Mr. Fix It."

Dave is loved by his wife, Shelley; his children, Wendy (Paul) Tackett and Ryan (Amy) Switzer; his granddaughters, Payton and Emerson Switzer; his brother, Eddie (Janet) Switzer; and his mother-in-law, Loretta Pankow. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Ann, and his brother, Bobby Switzer.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial donations be made to one of two programs dear to Dave's heart: the ETHOS Science Center, which helps students and teachers deepen their love for science (ETHOS, Inc., 1127 Miles Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46514 or http://www.ethosinc.org/i-want-to-help.html) or Camp Kesem, which helps children understand and cope with their parents' cancer (Camp Kesem Notre Dame, 315 LaFortune Student Center, Notre Dame, IN 46556 or https://www.razoo.com/story/Holtbrothersfoundation).

A Memorial Service celebrating Dave's life will be held at 12:00 Noon, Thursday, September 10th in Clay Church, 52866 Ironwood Rd. with Rev. Brian Durand officiating. The family will receive friends in the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Sep. 9, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for David Switzer

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Joseph & Lynn Luspin

September 19, 2015

Glad we met at the MCC 50th Reunion. I first met at Michigan Tech in our freshman year and we became good friends. I remember when Dave and Shelley visited at our old farm and he had just got a 340 Duster - we both were into fast cars then. Shelley, our sincere condolences go out to you and your children. Remember all the good times.

Ron & Cathy Kudich

September 16, 2015

So sorry to here of Dave's passing. What a great guy - always enjoyed talking and convervsing with Dave. The world already misses his presence. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ron & Cathy Kudich

Jerry & Dorothy Hudson

September 10, 2015

You and your family are in our prayers'

[SBRC Club]

Dave Allen

September 10, 2015

The Allen family owes a lot to Dave. He hired me into both my first and second job. Dave was a great mentor and friend. He will be greatly missed!!!

dick chaney

September 10, 2015

A good man, compassionate and a friend to fondly remember. We mourn his loss and pray for the family.

christine pochert

September 10, 2015

wendy,
your dad was a great guy. he will be missed in rotary and our community. he was so very proud of you.
sincerely,
christine pochert

Michael Malone

September 9, 2015

I had the pleasure of serving with Dave on the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce Board. I was struck by his innovative, practical and ethical nature that served our organization so well. Please accept my sincere condolences and prayers for your comfort in this time of loss.

Lillian Richards

September 9, 2015

My warm felt sympathy goes out to the Switzer family. I worked with Dave at the Battle Creek Gas Company. It was a joy working for him and with him. May GOD continue to strengthen the Family during this difficult time. GOD Bless

Loretta Pankow

September 9, 2015

The best son-in-law and lemonade slopper ever to have in the family. Love, Mom-in-Law

Dave Behr

September 9, 2015

I truly enjoyed working with Dave on economic development projects in the region. His professionalism and his friendship will be missed.

September 9, 2015

My condolences to the Switzer Family ! My heart goes out to you Wendy ..
Jen from Hickory Corners, MI

Loretta Pankow

September 9, 2015

Dave was the best son-in-law and lemonade slopper a family could ever ask for. Love, Mom-in-law

Judi Bigelow

September 8, 2015

Dear, dear Shelley, please accept my deepest sympathy and love. I know your heart is breaking and I will pray for God's love and comfort. You and your family are in my prayers Love, Judi Bigelow

Susanne Moorman Rowe

September 8, 2015

My husband Larry and I worked with Dave for many years at both Michigan Power and I&M. He was smart, dedicated to his profession and fun. We miss him already. Shelly, Ryan and Wendy, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bob DeCola

September 8, 2015

I had the privilege of serving with Dave on the Chamber Board. He was always very kind and never had a bad day. May God rest him well.

Bob DeCola

September 8, 2015

Dave and I served on the Chamber Board for three years. He was always so pleasant and never had a bad day. May God rest him well.

Barry Visel

September 8, 2015

Dave was my first boss and mentor at the power company. He was a great friend...but his humor was sometimes questionable :-). He will be missed.

Larry Campbell

September 8, 2015

I'm sorry to learn of David's death. I met him in Three Rivers Rotary Club and greatly enjoyed his friendship. He will be missed by all that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with
the family during this time of grief.

Dorinda Heiden-Guss

September 8, 2015

Dave's leadership in community and economic development efforts were recognized and valued throughout the Michiana region. He will be greatly missed by many.

My sincere condolences to all his loved ones.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

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