David Jerry Botbyl

David Jerry Botbyl
02/18/2026
David Jerry Botbyl, age 88, a proud veteran of the US Army, passed away on February 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
David was born in Grand Haven, Michigan to Gerry and Amelia (Hradsky) Botbyl and graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1955 where he played varsity football and basketball, the former being the only undefeated football team in 1953 of which he was a proud member. David joined the Army of the United States in 1955 and was honorably discharged in October 1961. He was a World War II history enthusiast who developed a keen interest in aerial warfare due to family member involvement in the B-17 Flying Fortress.
David married Sonya Willemot in Flint, Michigan on May 21, 1966, and they were married until Sonya's passing in 2007. They built homes together in Flushing, Fenton, and Manistee and were known to travel throughout the U.S. stopping at casinos along their traveling paths, making friends at every stop.
David completed his apprenticeship as an electrician in 1968 and worked in the trade eventually acting as project manager of large-scale projects, such as Hurley Hospital in Flint, a University of Michigan hospital in Ann Arbor and automobile factory upgrades in Indiana and Delaware. David retired to Manistee in 1999 where he worked for several years as a groundskeeper at Manistee Golf & Country Club, golfing at courses across Michigan, and built a close relationship with his grandchildren Jean-Luc and Lili that endures to this day.
David was an avid rifle hunter throughout his life, never missing the opening day of deer season. A passionate sports fan, he loved Michigan teams. Among his favorites were University of Michigan Wolverines Football, the Detroit Lions, and the Detroit Red Wings with Gordie Howe and Barry Sanders among his favorite athletes. He was also known for his writing of odes both serious and humorful with "Campmaster, and Dave Dave's Most Memorable Buck" being a fan favorite. David served as an Elder at a Presbyterian Church in Flushing, Michigan in the mid-1980's. David was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Manistee, and AMVETS in Grand Haven, Manistee, and Mesick.
Remaining to cherish David's memory are his son and daughter-in-law, Drs. Dave and Christina (Raymond) Botbyl; grandson, Jean-Luc; granddaughter, Liliane; sisters, Tana Botbyl, Linda (Randy) Jarosch; and numerous family members and friends.
Preceding David in death are his wife, Sonya Botbyl; his parents, Gerry and Amelia; brothers, Roger Botbyl, Joel Botbyl, and Gary Shannon.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Spring Lake Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. This will be a celebration of a sport enthusiast, so wear your favorite team jersey to the service. Military honors will be accorded by Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28 Honor Guard. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery in Grand Haven. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.