Dave Dexter

David James Dexter was born on March 24, 1966, in Saginaw, Michigan, to James Dexter and Kathleen Yurgaites. He was the second youngest of their seven children, and grew up in a busy and spirited household. Dave attended Plainfield Elementary, then Mackinaw Middle School, and graduated from Eisenhower High School.

From a young age, Dave had an undeniable passion for the outdoors and craftsmanship. He found his greatest joys in nature. Boating, fishing, and hunting remained lifelong pursuits. He was in his absolute element when he was out on the water, in the woods, or simply tinkering on a project in his garage with rock music on loudly in the background.

Dave married Suzette Leanne Cory in 1997, and together they brought two daughters into the world: Emma Kathleen Dexter in 2002 and Reagan Mae Dexter in 2005. Nothing made Dave happier than Emma and Reagan. His daughters were the center of his universe, and everything he did; Every long day of work, every project, every decision was done with them in mind.

Dave made his home in Vicksburg, Michigan, where he lived with his family from 2005 until his life was tragically and unexpectedly cut short in a motorcycle accident on July 26, 2025. He was preceded in death by his brother Charles Dexter (1960–2006), his mother Kathleen Dexter (1934–2017), his sister Carolyn Reardon (1964–2018), and his father James Dexter (1931–2020).

Those who knew Dave will remember his charm, his sense of humor, and his striking presence. He was funny, charismatic, and loyal to the people he loved. He loved war movies, Thai food, and rock and roll, especially Elvis and The Who. He took immense pride in his home and spent countless hours in his workshop crafting furniture, restoring vehicles, and building one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends. He was well respected in his field of work as a design engineer and had the ability to work on projects as large as aircraft and automobiles and as intricate as medical devices.

David Dexter was the kind of man who could make anyone laugh, who loved deeply, and who lived fully. His absence leaves a profound emptiness in the lives of those who knew him. He will not simply be missed. He will be mourned, cherished, and remembered with every day that passes.

Dave is survived by his daughters Emma and Reagan, his sister Amy Bell and her husband Randy, his brother Tom Dexter and his wife Jenni, his sister Martha Howay and her husband Mark, his sister Ann Portner-Dexter, brother-in-law Mark Reardon, and his ex-wife Suzette Dexter, along with many nieces, nephews, and close friends who will carry his memory with them always.

Cremation has taken place and services will be announced. Celebrate Dave’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Contributions may be made directly to the family at https://gofund.me/2bc5e56c Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.