Traverse City -David Arthur Dell, 79, a kind and gentle soul, passed away peacefully at his home on December 5, 2024 with his family at his side after a long battle with cancer. Dave was born May 4th, 1945 in Flint, MI to the late Dareld & Lucille (Niemi) Dell.

On Christmas Eve, December 24, 1964, Dave married his best friend, Betty Follett, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Traverse City.

After graduating from Traverse City Central High School in 1964, Dave served his country in the U.S.Army from 1964-1967. He then went to work at Traverse Motors as an auto tech/shop foreman for 40 years, and part time work as a commercial flight instructor and charter pilot at Winchester Aviation and NMC helper in the Auto Tech Department.

Dave loved hunting especially with his late Uncle Gene Habedank in his earlier years, and fishing with his buddy, Karl Stegmeyer in the last several years. "Those who touch our lives stay in our hearts forever." Dave touched a lot of lives and was always there to help those who needed it. He did a lot of volunteer work providing Ham radio communications with the Benzie Community Emergency Response Team (CERTS). Dave always looked forward to his monthly luncheons with his classmates, monthly card games with friends, and especially gatherings with friends and family, and time with his grandson, Zachary Dell-Smith, whom he was so proud of. He loved his grand dogs, Jax, Benny & Percy. Everyone enjoyed Dave's quick-witted humor and great story telling that left everyone in stitches.

Preceding him in death, a daughter, Julie Ann, brother-in-law, Jack Follett, Father-in-law, Glenn Follett, parents, Lucille and Dareld Dell, and sister, Daphne Smith.

Dave is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty, son Michael (Kathy) Dell of Traverse City, daughter Angela Dell of Interlochen,, grandson Zachary Dell-Smith of Ann Arbor, MI, mother-in-law Beatrice Follett, sisters Carolyn (Bill) Busby of Brighton, MI, Donna (Matthew) Salon of Traverse City, brother Jarrel (Linda) Dell of Lake Ann, MI, bonus son, John Martin, sister-in-law, Nancy Follett of Traverse City and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Munson Hospice nurses/staff for their excellent care, and wish any memorial contributions go to Munson Hospice, 1105 Sixth St, Traverse City, MI. 49684.

Per Dave's request, there will be no formal funeral, but please join us at Twin Lakes Park/Gilbert Lodge, 6800 N. Long Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685 on Monday, December 9th, 1:00 – 4:00 pm for a memorial party and Military Honor Guard Ceremony (which will be at 2:00)