David Lawrence Stripe

David L. Stripe, 89, of Battle Creek died at Bronson Battle Creek on Sunday, October 11, 2015.

He was born September 18, 1926 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to T. Clifford and Theresa (Galuska) Stripe.
David grew up in Ontonagon, Michigan, the town he always loved. He received a certificate in Horticulture from the former Michigan State College, now MSU. He began his career as a grower at Capital Florist and then owned and operated Pennfield Garden Center from 1962-78. He was employed as a grower in North Carolina, Florida and Minnesota, before returning to Battle Creek and ending his career at Greenscape Services.

David L. Stripe was united in marriage to Dorothy E. Leaf on October 5, 1950, in Marquette, MI. He was preceded in death by Dorothy, his wife of 62+ years on August 20, 2013; daughter, Theresa Stripe in 1967; son, James D. Stripe in 2013 and his parents. Surviving are two daughters, Catherine L. (Doug) Ludlow of Battle Creek and Mary E. (Bryan) Stiemsma of Dowling; a daughter-in-law, Tina Stripe of Albert Lea, MN; nine grandchildren, James (Tina) Ludlow, Susan (David) Smith, Benjamin Stiemsma, Christina (Peter) Pollet, Katie (John) Pfund, Emily Stiemsma, Carlton Stripe, Karina Stripe and Chloe Stripe; six great grandchildren, Margaret Ludlow, Elizabeth Ludlow, Charles Smith, Luke Pollet, Caleb Pollet, Heidi Pollet; a brother, Robert (Margaret) Stripe of Ontonagon; and two sisters, Helen (John) Murray and Nancy (John) Labyak all of Ontonagon.

David was a member of St Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher for many years. He was also a member of the former Y's Men's Club and Battle Creek Exchange Club. David was an avid fisherman and enjoyed bowling, and woodworking. David will be remembered as a loving husband, who held his wife's hand for over 62 years. He adored his family and idolized and spoiled the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Friends will be received 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Larry Gorlitz 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 17, 2015 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church; 349 Capital Ave. N.E. Interment will be follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.