David A. Potter

David A. Potter, 92 of Boundary Road, St.Ignace passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, April 5 at Sierra Adult Foster Care Home in Grand Haven. He was born August 21,1918 in Harbor Beach,MI to James E. and Ada (Fisher) Potter.The family moved to St.Ignace in 1922. His early education was through the 8th grade, very common in those days. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, although he expressed fish was not one of his favorite meals. He enjoyed cutting and splitting wood used for heat. His first job was a St.Ignace paper boy. He married Helena Fidelle Bellant on January 18,1941 in Detroit, and they enjoyed nearly 70 years of marriage. She died September 29,2010 at the same home he was located, as they always spent their lives together. They were there since April 1,2008. They enjoyed gardening, and canned every year for the next years meals. They also had a sugar bush, making many gallons of maple syrup. David worked for the Michigan State Ferries, and enlisted in the US Army in 1941. He also worked for the US Forest Service, and then was a self-employed building and remodeling contractor. He dug his own basement by hand, handling each pail of earth several times.. In the US Army he was overseas, and fought across Europe, and received 2 Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star, and several other medals for his honored military service. In his notes he also spent time at Fort Brady in the Soo before shipping overseas. He was known as Uncle Dave, and had many good friends in St.Ignace. his sister in law Minerva and her husband, Allen Ogle were lifelong companions. Special families were the Thomas\'; Terrians; Popes. Mary Beth; Hills; Jarmans and many more. He is survived by a nephew and his wife, Robert ( Bob) & Darlene Ogle; and niece Betty Mae and her husband Roy(Bud) Closs, all of Grand Haven. 2 sisters in law, Virginia Potter Boyle and Art -Theresa. and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife he was preceeded in death by siblings; four boys and five girls. Friends may call at Dodson Funeral Home on Saturday, April 9 from 11 to 1 pm when services will be held with Rev. Erik Alsgaard officiating. Burial will be in Gros Cap Cemetery in May with Military Rites. Dodson Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Tributes

David A. Potter

April 5, 2011