David Karl Kommer

David (Dave) Karl Kommer, age 88, of Belmont, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, RuthAnn (Jost) Kommer; and his four children, Susan (Joel) Sportel, Brian (Julie) Kommer, Karen (Joe) VanDyke, and Kevin (Linda) Kommer. He was blessed with nine grandchildren: Jonathan, Megan, and Paul Sportel; Jenna (Kommer) Meyers and Emily (Kommer) Racette; Michael and Rachelle Kommer; and Brandon and Jeremy VanDyke. Dave was incredibly proud of his grandchildren and cherished every opportunity to spend time with them. He was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren, with one more expected in September.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Christian and Edith Kommer; his brother, Tom Kommer; and numerous in-laws who were very dear to him.

Dave grew up on the southeast side of Grand Rapids and attended South High School, graduating in 1956. In 1960, he married RuthAnn at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Belmont, where he remained an active and devoted member throughout his life.

Dave worked as a tool and die maker for 46 years. During those years, he loved taking his family on vacations and traveled throughout much of the United States. Some of his favorite memories were made during annual trips to Strawberry Lake and later during cherished fall weekends at Ludington State Park.

After retirement, Dave continued to live out his strong work ethic and servant's heart by helping run the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry in Belmont, volunteering with Home Repair Services and God's Kitchen in Grand Rapids, and donating many woodworking projects to local churches and fundraising events. His generosity and dedication to serving others left a lasting impact on his community.

Known as a master craftsman, Dave spent countless hours in the woodworking shop he built in his basement. Beyond creating beautiful pieces for others, he especially enjoyed working side-by-side with his children and grandchildren on projects, sharing both his skills and his time.

Dave's strong Christian faith was evident in the way he lived. He generously shared his time and talents with family, neighbors, and friends—whether lending a helping hand with his tractor, opening his land for hunting and snowmobiling, inviting others to enjoy a day at his cottage on Maston Lake, or simply engaging in meaningful conversation. He genuinely cared about people and always took an interest in their lives.

In his later years, Dave became an active member of the Grand Rapids Antique Car Club driving his replica 1929 Ford Model A participating in parades, car shows, and visits to local nursing homes.

Dave had a memorable way with words and was known for his honesty, wisdom, and many sayings that family and friends still share today. As a remembrance of him, we leave you with one of his favorites:

"Life is what you make it."

Anyone who knew Dave knows he truly lived by those words.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Dave's family on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at MKD Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive, Belmont. Rosary will begin at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 6390 Belmont Avenue, Belmont, with a time to visit family from 10:00-10:45 a.m. A luncheon will be provided at church following the service.