David V. Heidtke

David was born Nov. 29, 1926, in Birnamwood, Wis., son of the late Raymond and Lillian (Owen) Heidtke. He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1944 and enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served his country for two years. On Sept. 24, 1949, he married Leona Krooks; she preceded him in death in 2010.

David was an auto body technician, working most of his career at Edwards Chevrolet, and continued doing body work on his own after retiring. He loved spending time outdoors on their beautiful Pine Creek farm. David had a green thumb and spent many hours in his vegetable garden as well as planting flowers around his property and tending to his orchard. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, horse riding, cross country skiing, berry picking and most of all, spending time with his family.

He is survived by two sons, David (Clare) Heidtke of Petoskey, Mich., and Dean (Sally) Heidtke of Merriman; two granddaughters, Lauren Amer and Roz Heidtke (Will Cronin); four great-grandchildren, Rami, Jenna and Malek Amer, and Lillian Cronin; and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his wife, Leona, David was preceded in death by two brothers, Melvin and John Heidtke; and three sisters, Laverne Haigh, Marcella Kolba and Lorraine Bulgrin.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 25 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain, with services to follow. Rev. Tracy Blagec will officiate and the Uren-Cooper-Johnson. American Legion Post 50 will conduct full military honors. A luncheon will follow the services.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of David V. Heidtke online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.