David William Courter

David William Courter, age 74 of Saranac, MI passed away peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025 with his family by his side. He was born in Ionia on January 21, 1953, the son of Richard and Alice (Grummet) Courter. He was the third of five children. He was a graduate of Saranac High School, graduating with the class of 1970.
On June 2, 1973, Dave married the love of his life, Marlene Smith. Together they raised 4 children Shannon, Stacy, Sara and Bradley. Dave worked in skilled maintenance, working for Lacks Industries and later TRW where he retired in 2007.
Being the jack of all trades, Dave could fix or build anything, and he loved to teach his kids and grandkids everything he knew. You could always find Dave in his barn tinkering, fixing something or having a "cold one" with a few of his friends. If he wasn't home working on things, him and Mar were often traveling to some of their favorite places. In Canada fishing and enjoying their Canadian friends, spending time at their cabin on the Grand River with family and friends or in January traveling to Mexico with Al and Anne where it was nice and warm. They took a lot of spontaneous road trips with best friends Chuck and Karen Haskins just to see the country and created so many memories along the way.
Dave loved his family and friends and would be there in a minute for any of them. He showed his kids and grandkids what it meant to work hard and the true meaning of being a family man. He will be greatly missed by all.
The family would like to give a special thank you to West Michigan Hospice for the exceptional care Dave received and the wonderful support they provided for our family. They truly are a compassionate, caring and professional team who we could not have gotten through this difficult time without.
Dave is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Marlene Courter of Saranac. Children: Shannon (Amy Rusnell) Courter of Ionia, Stacy (Drew Engen) Fisher of Saranac, Sara (Brandon) Bowen of Saranac and Bradley (Amber) Courter of Saranac. Grandchildren: Brenton Fisher, Brooklyn Fisher, Klae (Jimmy Bolanowski) Courter, McKenzie (Kobe) Kazamer, Montanna (Devon) Burnell, Kaleb Courter, Garrett (Aaron Kietzman) Bowen, McKylee Huff, Cameron Cook and Kaden Courter. Great Grandchildren: Adelyn and Maverick McBain, Olivia and Zoe Fisher, Zion Courter, Braxton Burnell and Hudson Bolanowski. Siblings: Richard (Pat) Courter, Yvonne Chivis, Dale Courter and Russell Courter. Brother and sisters-in-law: Norma Martin, Alvin (Anne) Smith, Brenda Spicer, Marty (Carrie) Smith and Christine Comer. Special nephew, David Barthosh. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Alice Courter, In-laws Artie and Clara Smith, brothers-in-law Ron Martin and Fred Chivis.
Funeral services for Dave will be held on Thursday, October 30th at 11:00 am with Jason and Stephanie Smith officiating at Lake Funeral Home in Ionia. Interment held at Saranac Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4-7 pm at the funeral home. Those wishing to may make memorial contributions to West Michigan Hospice. Arrangements in care of Lake Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com