Obituary of L. David Shemick

L. David "Dave" Shemick, 75, of Dowagiac, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2014 at Borgess Medical Center, in Kalamazoo, while surrounded by his entire loving family. Dave was born on June 8, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Lawrence and Clara (Magnusen) Shemick. After high school Dave enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served for four years before joining the United States Army Reserves for another four years. Dave was a mechanic and loved his work. He worked for Ameriwood in Dowagiac and delivered for Ridge Auto Parts before he decided to retire in the early 2000's to spend more time with his family. Dave, along with his wife Marian, enjoyed their time with their six children. He was a member of the Dowagiac American Legion Post 563, Dowagiac Moose Lodge 933, Eagle Lodge 41 in Dowagiac and a Life Member of the Dowagiac VFW Post 1855. Dave is preceded in death by his parents and siblings John and Don Shemick and Betty Thain. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Marian; children Brenda (David) Brown of Dowagiac, Brian (Shirley) Shemick of Dowagiac, Roberta Bartlett of Kalamazoo, Denise (Will) Elder of Dowagiac, Sandy Shemick of Oak Harbor, Washington, and Amanda Panozzo; Fourteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren with one more on the way. A graveside burial will be held on Friday, July 25, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles. Memorial donations may be made in Dave's memory to help his family with his final expenses to the funeral home at 521 East Main Street, Niles, MI 49120 or via http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/contributions-for-dave-shemick-s-memorial-service/206119 .