David Kuzma

When looking back on the life and legacy of David Kuzma, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He faced every challenge that came his way with an unbreakable spirit of determination, and he exemplified what it meant to treat all with kindness and compassion. Nothing brought David greater joy than surrounding himself with his loved ones. His deep dedication to serving his community allowed him to impact the lives of countless others for the better. Forever loved, David will be greatly missed by those who knew him best.

The 1940s were tumultuous years for many as WWII raged around the globe. Following the United States’ entrance into the war in December of 1941, many brave servicemen were called away from home while those who remained stateside faced strict rationing. It was on July 3, 1942, that David was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan. As a young boy, he spent some time living with his grandmother while his father served in WWII. David was very close with his grandmother. She taught him everything he knew about cooking, and he always looked forward to going to her house. David’s father later began working for Jays Potato Chips in Indiana, bringing the company into Michigan.

Throughout his childhood, David was known to get into his fair share of mischief. He attended St. Joseph School in Kalamazoo through the eighth grade. Though David often found himself in trouble with the nuns, he was given a cross by one of the nuns once he graduated eighth grade that he held onto for the rest of his life. He attended Portage Northern High School, thriving on the wrestling and cross country teams. David graduated in 1960 and would later earn his master’s degree from Western Michigan University.

David got along well with older people and enjoyed their company and conversation. He was always willing to help them out when he could. David even helped a gentleman build Frost Top Root Beer Stand and worked there once it opened. One day though, showing his mischievous side, he collected frogs from the Upjohn Pond and tossed them on top of the root beer stand! David also once got in some hot water with the police for racing home and driving over bushes. His punishment was to write something 500 times. Smart as he was, he used carbon copy paper to quicken the pace. This did not fool the judge! These stories were just the first of many that would be retold for years to come.

To David, his career in the world of education was so much more than just a job. He worked for Vicksburg Junior High and, seeing a need in his community, did what he could to fill it and better serve those around him. David started the first special education programs in Vicksburg and Paw Paw. His program did so well that it caught the attention Michigan’s Department of Education. They approached him and asked him to expand his methods statewide. Over the years, David supervised several programs designed for people who needed extra assistance. His work was fulfilling and even hilarious at times. Once, while David was at a swim meet, he was trying to explain to a group of special needs kids what a jock strap was for. Then, in front of all the parents, the kids came out wearing them on their heads!

Of all the things David valued in life, there was nothing that he cherished more than his family. Together with his first wife, Sidney, he welcomed his four sons, David, Daniel, Dane, and Damon “Josh”, into his heart and home. David thrived in his role as a father, and his kids were his greatest source of pride and joy. He also enjoyed spending time with his sister, Danielle. The two were quite close and he would often take trips with Dani and her husband Chuck to Aruba. David had become a certified scuba diver and owned several timeshares there.

Later in life, he was overjoyed to once again find love with a remarkable woman named Sue. The two first met in high school but never dated, and Sue knew him as the most handsome star athlete. They reacquainted at a class reunion at the Beacon Club and immediately hit it off. In fact, David and Sue got so lost in conversation on the bar patio, that the staff closed up and nearly left them there. They shared a kiss in the parking lot, and the rest was history. David married Sue in May of 2021. He loved her more than anything in the world, and he always made sure she was taken care of and provided for.

Never one to sit still for long, David had many ways to stay busy in his free time. He took meticulous care of his 40 acre-property in Rose City, constantly tending to the yard. David and Sue had racoons that they would feed off of their porch, up to 19 at a time. His favorite was Bud, who loved being hand-fed with fresh grapes. The couple were able to enjoy a memorable Caribbean cruise together. One of David’s greatest passions was hunting, and he was good at it. He’d often take just a single round with him, and almost always came home with buck. Once, he shot an 8-point buck. As he approached it afterward, the buck sprang up and mauled David! Amazingly he fought him off, and was back hunting in no time. A safer pastime, David also enjoyed collecting and refurbishing lanterns. They were in pristine condition by the time he was done with them. David could often be found with a Coke in his hand. He had a wicked sweet tooth and loved chocolate and vanilla ice cream with caramel syrup.

All who knew David Kuzma will certainly agree that he truly understood the secret to living his life to the very fullest. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and he was always willing to go above and beyond to extend a helping hand to others. A devoted husband, father, and family man, David never missed a chance to hold his loved ones close. His legacy of generosity and service made a lasting impact in his community, and he was a blessing in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him. Although he is already greatly missed, David leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever keep close.

David Kuzma of Rose City, age 83, died on August 20, 2025. Please join us at a Life Story Service on Friday, August 29 at 11 AM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story center where food, drink, and stories can be shared. Burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Dress casual as David would like everyone to be comfortable. Celebrate David’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Residential Hospice Foundation.