David Lee Blecke Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

David Lee Blecke, 84, of Essexville, our kind, caring, thoughtful, attentive, quiet, sharp-witted, and most loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and loyal friend was born into eternal life on the morning of Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at New Hope Bay, Hampton Township. Dave was born on March 25, 1938 to the late Carl William and Elvena Marie (Bushman) Blecke in Woodville, Ohio. He was the last of six children, so he had lots of older sibling "bosses." Dave's father was a trapper, so he would walk the lines with him. He was passionate about music, especially taking piano lessons. Dave was baptized and confirmed at Solomon Lutheran Church and attended Solomon Lutheran Parochial School through eighth grade, then graduated from Woodville High School. Upon high school graduation, he attended Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Greek. Dave continued his education at the Lutheran Theological Seminary. He interned at Faith Lutheran Church in Seattle, Washington. After declining the parish ministry, Dave went to the Ohio State University for his Master of Social Work, and later to Michigan State University for his Doctoral studies (ABD) in Marriage and Family Therapy. While at Capital University, Dave met the lovely Janalou Farver through mutual friends. They dated, fell in love and were united in marriage on August 27, 1960 at Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon. Dave and Janalou danced through life together, sharing over 61 years and countless memories together. Upon graduation, Dave accepted a position at the Norman Westlund Child Guidance Clinic in 1960 in Saginaw. Later, he became the Executive Director. Upon retiring, he continued working as a behaviorist for Synergy Medical Education Family Practice Department. Dave maintained a private practice in Marriage and Family Therapy. Dave enjoyed playing the piano and playing in a dance band. He loved nature and could regularly be found spending time outside. Dave was a natural at gardening and had a "green thumb." His beautiful singing voice will be missed greatly by various choral groups. Dave was involved in the National Association of Social Workers and Kiwanis Clubs. He served on the board for the Salvation Army and volunteered at the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission. Dave took great pride in coaching his sons' winning soccer teams, especially since he never played the sport before coaching. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. Dave's cherished memory will live on in the hearts of many for years to come. Dave was dedicated to simple lessons from "Children Learn What They Live," from Ross Laboratories. "If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight. If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy. If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty. If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence. If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate. If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice. If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith. If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world." He described himself as having simple expectations of life. People often commented about his voicemail message: "Remember, life is for living. Enjoy!" Leaving to carry on Dave's legacy are his beloved wife of 61 years, Janalou; his sons, Brian (Karen) Blecke and Nathan (Peggy) Blecke; his grandchildren, who were the lights of his life, David (Kersten) Steinkopf III, Madeleine, Aidan, Gabrielle, Griffin, Olivia, and Harrison. Dave also leaves his sisters-in-law, Carole Blecke and Karen Keyser. In addition to his parents, Dave was welcomed home to Heaven by his brothers, Robert Blecke and William Blecke, and his sisters, Elaine (Louis) Ohm, Joan (James) Bashore, and Kathleen (Wayne) Karchner. David's family will be present to receive visitors on Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 11:00 AM until David's 1:00 PM Life Celebration at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, 501 S. Catherine St, Bay City, 48706. Pastor Andreas Teich will preside. Cremation has taken place and arrangements have been entrusted to Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 821 N. Pine Rd., between Ridge & Center. Memorial contributions may be directed to Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church or the David and Jan Blecke Donor Advised Fund at the Bay Area Community Foundation. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.

David Lee Blecke

March 25, 1938 - June 1, 2022