1962
2023
David Alan Split, age 61, of Spring Lake, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, while fulfilling one of his life's passions, fishing on Lake Michigan. He was born on January 29, 1962, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to James and Barbara (VanKleef) Split. Dave married the love of his life, Jill Henry, on December 28, 1996, in Key West, Florida.
Dave graduated from Grand Haven High School and then attended Ohio Technical College. He spent several years working in the electronics field before venturing out as a self-employed contractor. Dave and his siblings enjoyed growing up in Grand Haven and spending lots of time in the Doris Beach area. He had an enthusiasm for the water and Lake Michigan sunrises and sunsets. Dave was a devoted husband and father.
It is impossible to summarize Dave's life in a few paragraphs because he lived a thousand. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish, camp, swim, boat, sail, ski and snowmobile. But, Dave was most passionate about hunting all things wild. He would plan adventurous vacations and found the hidden gems everywhere he traveled. Dave had a generous spirit and was always lending a helping hand. He was a dreamer, thought outside of the box, and could fix anything. Dave knew no fear.
David is survived by his wife of 26 years, Jill; and their two daughters, Audrey and Amber Split; his four siblings: Dr. James (Martha) Split, Ann (Rick) Rush, Mary Sams and Robert (Elise) Split; his mother-in-law, Judi Henry; in-laws: Luci Kunde, Kristin (PJ) Melcher and Morrie Beau (Lisa) Henry; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Barb Split; and father-in-law, Morrie Henry.
A Memorial Visitation and Celebration of Life for Dave will take place on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. As a thank you for those who helped bring Dave home, memorial contributions may be made to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, or the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office Dive Team. Please visit www.klaassenfuneralhome.com to sign Dave's online guestbook.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jane Bosma VanderPloeg in Oregon
October 2, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are and have been with you, Split family, as I have fun memories of Dave and you all and your tall beach hill in the '70s.
David Vella
September 25, 2023
Jill, prayers to you and your family and know you are in my thoughts.
Stephanie Crumbacher
September 25, 2023
So sorry for your loss Jill. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Rosa Hernandez
September 20, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dan Trombey
September 19, 2023
So sorry to hear about Dave my thoughts and prayers are with Jill and the split family Dan Trombley
Joshua Goll
September 19, 2023
I knew Dave as a customer at Eikenhout. Then evolved into a working relationship outside of Eikenhout. Dave gave me a lot of good advice and was a very patient and kind man. Just gained a new friend and it was time for him to go home. My condolences to Dave's family (who he was very proud of). Rest in peace my friend.
TEXAS MACDONALD
September 19, 2023
David, pick out a good bear stand for me when you get on up to Heaven. Missed you coming up this fall for bear. Deepest condolences to the family. Texas and Heidi MacDonald, McKerrow, Ontario, Canada
Mary Searer
September 19, 2023
My sympathies to Dave´s family. I remember him as a nice teenager at our house and a good friend to David. I appreciated his kindness and patience later on when he helped Jim. He was a good guy.
Mary Searer
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Klaassen Family Funeral Home - Grand Haven1500 Robbins Road, Grand Haven, MI 49417
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Klaassen Family Funeral Home - Grand Haven1500 Robbins Road, Grand Haven, MI 49417
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