David was born on February 16, 1949, in Zeeland, Michigan, to Paul and Florence Vander Zwaag. As the oldest of three children, he grew up on the farm alongside his two sisters and graduated from West Ottawa High School. Following graduation, he attended Andrews University for a short period of time where he studied agriculture before beginning a lifetime of hard work and service to others.
David proudly served in the Michigan National Guard for ten years, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a dedicated businessman and entrepreneur, owning and operating Tulip City Standard, Tulip City Towing, and B&J Towing. Later in life, he returned to one of his greatest passions, working on the family farm, Crisp Country Acres, where he found immense joy in farming and delivering produce.
David was a loyal sports fan who rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his favorite teams. He was an avid University of Michigan supporter and faithfully followed the Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons, and Detroit Tigers through every season, good or bad.
Those who knew David will remember his incredible sense of humor and his ability to make others laugh. He had a gift for bringing smiles to people, even during difficult times. His generous spirit and caring nature touched countless lives. He genuinely cared about people and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His employees were more than employees, they were family. He took care of them, supported them when they needed it most, and earned their respect, loyalty, and love in return.
Above all else, David loved his family. He cherished his wife, Kimberley, who was not only his partner of nearly 30 years but also his best friend. Their years together were filled with love, friendship, laughter, and unwavering devotion to one another. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who found great joy in the people he loved.
David was also a man of deep and abiding faith. He loved Jesus, found comfort and strength in God’s Word, and faithfully relied on the Lord throughout every season of his life. His faith guided the way he lived, loved, forgave, and cared for others. Whether facing life’s blessings or its challenges, he trusted God wholeheartedly and lived as an example of quiet faithfulness.
Even throughout his illness, David’s grateful heart never wavered. During the final months of his life, he continually thanked the nurses and caregivers who cared for him. He looked for opportunities to encourage them, make them smile, and remind them how appreciated they were. His kindness, humility, and gentle spirit remained evident until the very end.
David will be remembered for his quick wit, unwavering loyalty, generous heart, and remarkable ability to make people laugh, even during life’s most difficult moments. He lived a life marked by hard work, faith, forgiveness, compassion, and love. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, the family he treasured, and the example he set through his kindness, humility, strength, and steadfast trust in the Lord.
While his family grieves his loss, they find comfort in knowing that David’s faith has become sight and that he is now at peace in the presence of the Savior he loved so dearly.
David is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kimberly Vander Zwaag; children, Dan (Patti) Vander Zwaag, Debbie (Jarade) Olson, Matthew (Amber) Baumann, and Kaycee Kay; grandchildren, Gracelynn Olson, Garrett Olson, Jacob Vander Zwaag, Madeline (Isrrael Torres) Vander Zwaag, Ava Baumann, Kaydence Braden, Raygen Braden, Gannon Braden, and Mayzee Braden; mother-in-law, Sharon Forgette; brother-in-law, Scott (Renee) Wagenmaker; and many nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Paul (Florence) Visser; sisters, Carol Lampers and Mari (Doug) Visser; father-in-law, Kenneth Wagenmaker; brother-in-law, Kenneth Dale Wagenmaker; and step father-in-law, Charles Forgette.
Visitation will be held at West Olive Church, 8374 First Ave, West Olive, MI 49460, on August 4, 2026, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at West Olive Church, 8374 First Ave, West Olive, MI 49460, on August 4, 2026, at 1:00 pm.
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