David J. Benkert

David J. Benkert, age 91, passed away on June 20, 2024. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Joyce. He is survived by daughter Nancy and son-in-law Paul, grandson Steve and his wife Meagan, great grandson Elijah, and his faithful cat Jody. He adored his family and lit up whenever Eli visited.
Born and raised in Reed City, Michigan, he was especially proud of being on the1950 Reed City State Champion football team and being named to the Michigan 1950 All-State High School Football Team by the Detroit Free Press. A lifelong sports fan, he was known for his unwavering support for the Detroit Lions and the University of Michigan Wolverines. He got a kick out of random strangers saying "Go Blue" in the grocery store when he was wearing his Michigan hat.
He was proud of his work as a Loss Control Consultant and was employed with Central Mutual Insurance Company for most of his career. Retirement found him behind the counter at the Thornapple Orvis shop, which gave him lots of time to talk about fishing.
Dave started guiding on the Pere Marquette River at age 14 for Ed's Bait Shop in Baldwin. He eventually bought a place on the PM and for almost 40 years enjoyed hosting friends and family and searching for the next big steelhead. Fishing also provided opportunity for travel to Alaska, Montana, Canada, the Bahamas, Belize and Christmas Island.
Blessed with a beautiful voice, he sang in church choirs his entire life. Other venues included the Grand Rapids Symphony choir, the Calvin Oratorio Society, the Grand Rapids Opera Chorus, and family gatherings around the piano in Reed City. His church solos in Handel's Messiah will always be a family favorite.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, at Story Point Rockford, 2885 10 Mile Rd. NE, Rockford, Michigan, 49341. Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding SE, Ada, 49301, or www.hom.org/donations.