David Dutcher

David Allen Dutcher, 81, a lifelong resident of Charlevoix, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021.  He was born on July 5, 1939 in Charlevoix, the son of Harold and Jessie Dutcher.

David graduated from Charlevoix High School and was a part of the United States Army Reserves for eight years before he went overseas for six months during the Korean War.  He worked with his father as a butcher at the IGA for several years, and then went on to serve as the head of maintenance at Charlevoix Hospital as well as American Mold.  He then started his own cottage care business for Charlevoix and the surrounding areas.  He and his life partner, Lois, have enjoyed spending their winters in Hollywood Hills, FL for the past 15 years.  David liked riding his motorcycle, travelling all across the United States, and moving sprinklers to make sure his yard was always green.  He could often be found having morning coffee downtown Charlevoix, watching the planes take off, or simply sitting and people watching.

David is survived by his loving life partner of 45 years, Lois Elzinga of Charlevoix; three sons, D’Arcy (Susan Marie) Dutcher of Charlevoix, Dane Dutcher (fiancé Christie Valerio) of Tuscan, AZ, and Derek (Amy Marie) Dutcher of Traverse City; four step-children, Patty (Gregory) Sitzema of Charlevoix, Sue (Corky) Meier of Charlevoix, Judy (Mark) Holland of Gaylord, and James Jr. (Jules) Elzinga of Apopka, FL; his sister, Joyce Dutcher; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and his nephew, Scott Dutcher.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Judy Dutcher.

David’s family has chosen to celebrate his life privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Front Porch Café in Ellsworth.

Arrangements are in the care of the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com