David Petty

1944 - 2025

David Lee Petty of Charleviox, MI, passed away on September 29, 2025, at the age of 81 after a short illness. David was born in Pennsylvania, but moved to Michigan as a youth. David, prior to Charlevoix, was a resident of Midland and Sanford, MI.
David was preceded in death by his wife and the love of his life Sandra Sue Savell. Also preceding David was his mother Georgia Zmikly and stepfather, Walter Zmikly. of Sanford, MI.
David was a lover of life, art and laughter. He never met a dog or cat who he didn't immediately want to adopt!
An artist, who loved to travel and meet like-minded people. A homebody who loved the serenity of his lake views. Cooking was a joy for David, especially while concocting something with his homemade BBQ sauce, affectionately called, "STUFF", to treat his friends. One would find David feeding the birds and critters from his wooded paradise. Often times, he would take of his video camera to post online for the enjoyment of others.
We will miss David is so many ways, but most of all, his sense of fair play, justice, empathy, and compassion for his fellow human beings was so profound and special!
David was educated at Northwood Institute (Northwood University) where he has maintained a collection of forever friends and frat brothers.
David's zest for life and art and all things the world needs more of, was off the charts!
Our dear friend lived a life that happened because of his ability to find the decent creases in this life, that, for him, was marked by challenges from an early age. He came out of all of that with incredible dignity and character...!
There will be a celebration of David's life on Sunday, October 19th, at his home in Charlevoix. Friends will be gathering at 11:00 a.m., with a special ceremony beginning at Noon, on that day.
Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.