Today we celebrate the life of a hero. David Michael Fackler, born March 7, 1949. “Poppy”, as he was affectionately referred to by his 10 grandchildren, began life’s adventures in Detroit Michigan in the home of Paul and Geraldine Fackler.
He was one of the most gentle souls you’d ever meet. Every stranger left a friend and every friend had a fun story to share about Dave. His favorite adventures happened outdoors. Camping quickly became an obsession that created ways for Dave to relax with family and make new friends while making memories. Much like a bowl of butter pecan ice cream, Dave never saw a campground he didn’t like. The camping oasis was his canvas for family and friend memories.
Dave’s life calling was in ministry where he served at Youth for Christ, on missionary service projects, the local food pantry, and volunteering with the Billy Graham Association. Dave met some of the neatest people on the planet and made them feel seen. These new friends stuck closer than the cheese dust on his finger tips after eating a bowl of Cheetos.
Because of Dave, people learned who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him. As an added bonus, people often heard spontaneous outbursts featuring Dave’s signature phrases “E-YOOOW” and “GLORY!” This was his original way of celebrating God’s faithfulness and goodness in his life.
Dave’s life wasn’t long enough. We had to say goodbye to him on January 15, 2025. Dave adventured from the coasts of Michigan to the hollers of Kentucky to Ecuadorian Andes mountains. God touched the world through this special man, David Michael Fackler.
We’re gonna miss him a ton. We can’t wait to see him again. For all you Jesus followers, if you arrive in heaven before us, listen for an E-YOOW and ask, “Are you Dave Fackler?” You’ll be glad you did…..
Above all, Dave loved his family. He was married to his wife, Tish (Price) Fackler, for nearly 52 years. Together, they raised three children: Michael (Shani) of Casper, WY; Libby (Miles) Hanon of Mustang, OK; and Matthew (Megan) of Somerset, KY. Dave was also a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren, Ryleigh, Brody, Micah, Zanah, Gabe, Asher, Emme, Lane, Remi, Lucy; who meant the world to him. He leaves behind many friends, mentees, and a close-knit community of brothers and sisters in Christ.
There will be a celebration of David’s life on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 3:00 pm at Family Church – Grace Campus (9530 Woodbridge St. Zeeland).
The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to “West MI Youth for Christ” in memory of David Fackler.
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