David Joseph Kostrzewa

David Joseph Kostrzewa passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 20. David was born on December 23, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois, to Kathleen Ann (Perry) Kostrzewa and Joseph Gerald Kostrzewa. David's family moved to Traverse City in 1972 and he graduated from Traverse City High School in 1985. In 1991, he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University where he studied business and marketing. David worked in southern Florida for many years in the real estate business before returning to Traverse City in 2008 to be closer to his family. Most recently, he was a sales consultant at Comfort Center Furniture stores.

Everyone who had the good fortune to know David remembers his wide grin and infectious laugh. He loved telling jokes and had a sense of humor that he shared with everyone. David was happiest when with his family and friends, and he was most at peace on the water, whether swimming, scuba diving, sailing or motoring. A mariner at heart, David loved the blue water of the Bay, blue like his deep blue eyes. David was also constantly learning new skills and taught himself to play the guitar. His favorite music was the blues, 70s hard rock by bands like AC/DC and KISS, and, of course, Jimmy Buffett.

David was preceded in death by his mother Kathleen (Perry) Kostrzewa, and his nephew Logan Shea. He is survived by his father, Joseph Kostrzewa, stepmother, Inez Schmidt of Traverse City, MI; sisters Ann (Brent) Kelly of Howell, MI, Mary Kay (Bill) Petroskey of Traverse City, MI, Susan (Cris Crisp) Kostrzewa of New Canaan, Connecticut; nephews and niece Jansen Shea, Keith and Brent Petroskey and Brittney Akers, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. We know that God has welcomed David with open arms.

A memorial will be held on Thursday, November, 29, from 3:00 to 6 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home at 305 6th St, Traverse City. A brief service will take place at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cherryland Humane Society. Kindly share thoughts and memories with David's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .