David Wills

He was born on March 25, 1938 in Ishpeming, to Brideson and Bernice (LaCombe) Wills, and was a lifelong resident of Gwinn.

As a youth he spent hours in the woods, trapping, hunting, and especially fishing. He also took up photography, learning to develop and print photographs in his home darkroom, and became a skilled woodworker, eventually building his own home. A devout Catholic, he faithfully attended weekend mass and continued to do so up to his last months.

David graduated from Gwinn High School in 1956 where he played basketball and also clarinet in the high school band; a skill he continued to use for many years in the Gwinn City Band. He subsequently continued his education, earning Bachelors and Masters degrees at Northern Michigan University.

David began his teaching career at the Wells Township School in southern Marquette County. He later taught at the McDonald and Gilbert elementary schools in the Gwinn School district. The majority of his career was spent teaching 5th grade.

While teaching at McDonald Elementary School he began dating the school secretary, Judy Henderson. They married on August 1, 1964 and went on to lovingly raise a son and daughter. David and Judy co-authored a 56 year marriage that lasted until she died in December 2020. He was devoted to his wife and children, and took great joy in his grandchildren’s lives.

In his years living on Bass Lake West, David had hobbies for every season. He was continuously working on myriad projects at home or on his Pike Lake property. If a neighbor needed help, David was happy to lend a hand – especially if it meant using his tractor!

He is survived by his son, Todd (Sarah) Wills, of St. Clair, MI, and daughter, Janell (Marcus) Hollmann of New Holstein, WI; grandchildren: Sam Wills, Abby Wills, Luke Hollmann, and Miles Hollmann.

He also leaves five siblings: Nancy (Ray) Gilkerson, of Columbus, OH, Stephen Wills of Munising, John Wills of Menominee, Richard Wills of Gwinn, and Peggy (Tami McGowan) Wills of New Albany, IN. and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and his sidekick of 15 years, his dog, Ranger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister-in-law, Rhoda Wills, and his beloved wife, Judy.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Gwinn beginning at 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:00 p.m. in the church with Rev. Sebastian Oppong officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the Mass in the church reception hall. Burial will take place in the Gwinn Cemetery.

The family thanks the generosity of his many friends in recent years, especially Chris & Don St. Aubin, Sue & Bill DeGroot, George Harvala, Julie & Dick Ontto, and Joe Hewitt. His life was made better with their help. Thanks also to the compassion provided in his later days by the staff at Brookridge Heights and U.P. Health System, Marquette. Their thoughtfulness did not go unnoticed.

He is once again with Judy.

Canale Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting David’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com