David A. Neiger
DAVID NEIGER
BENZONIA, MI. – David A. Neiger, 65, died December 23, 2017. We imagine David has joined his parents in heaven and is probably fishing right now.
In 1960, David was 8 years old when the family moved to Marquette, MI. In 1970, he graduated from the Marquette High School, four years later earned his Bachelor of Science in Geography. He continued his education to obtain a Master’s Degree in Land Use Planning. This allowed him to work in the Vista Volunteer Program in the Upper Peninsula.
David’s first urban planning job was Sault Ste Marie, MI. From there his city/county planning jobs lead them to Crystal Falls, Houghton, and Marquette. Eventually his career took them to Benzonia as the Benzie County Planning Commissions, along with the Benzonia Twp Zoning Administration. He also worked with Elmwood Twp in Traverse City.
On October 8, 1977, David married his sweetheart Elizabeth “Betsy” (Lyons) and together they raised two children Jamie Elizabeth and Nicholas David.
David’s father Arthur instilled in him a deep love of the outdoors, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, canoeing, scouting and boating. David passed those along to his children and his dear grandson, Hayden. David looked forward to the annual fishing trip to the family camp in Ontario Canada with his father during trout season. He was exceptionally happy to make one last visit this past July to camp with his son Nick and introduced Hayden to rustic camping.
David is survived by his wife, Betsy; children Jamie Neiger of Benzonia and Nicholas (Alicia) Neiger of Honolulu, HI; grandson Hayden Neiger; siblings Michael Neiger of Marquette, Susan (Dennis) Roubal of Marquette and Steven Neiger of Ada; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Virginia Neiger; grandparents B. Helen Neiger Chapman, Arthur Neiger, Clyde and Delma Stanhope and cousins Timothy Pifer. A memorial service will be held at 11AM Friday December 29, at the First Congregational Church of Benzonia with Patty Higgins officiating. Burial in Benzonia Twp Cemetery.
Contributions may be directed towards the family. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Service.