David Beattie

9/5/1949 – 8/1/2026

David Beattie was born September 5, 1949 to Aaron Joseph Beattie, Jr. and Jane Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Beattie in Bay City, MI. He was the youngest of three children, with an older sister, Beth Ann, and a big brother, “Trip” (Aaron J. Beattie, III).

Dave graduated from Bay City Central High School in 1967, alongside his high school sweetheart, Gail Duescher. They married May 22, 1971 and celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this year. Dave and Gail moved to Frankenmuth, MI in 1978.

They had two children, Jeff and Kari. Jeff and his wife Jen live in South Glastonbury, CT, where they’ve raised three children of their own: Caroline, Blake and Clark. Dave’s daughter, Kari, lives in Frankenmuth with her sons, Henry and Leo, who spent lots of time with their grandparents. Dave adored his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them, watching Blake, Clark, Henry and Leo play their sports and following Caroline and Leo in their artistic pursuits.

Growing up, Dave’s parents started a pool construction company, Beattie Master Pool & Spa. He also swam competitively for the Bay City Central High School swim team and was captain for the 1966-67 season. Dave attended Central Michigan University where he received his B.S. in Business Administration and then returned to run the family business in partnership with Gail. Over the past decade, Dave was proud to pass on his legacy to Kari (his “personality twin”) who has taken on the lead responsibilities while absorbing the business lessons and wisdom from her father. Dave loved what he did and was great at it. He was a highly regarded member of the Master Pool Guild and was viewed as a thought leader in the industry with his extensive knowledge and construction expertise. With the perfect balance of charisma and professionalism, he created lasting relationships with his customers, employees and the community at large. He was the true “Master of Summer Fun” and worked until the very end.

Dave and Gail lived in Frankenmuth for decades, and filled the years with love, laughter and wonderful memories with family and friends. Dave loved golfing and playing cards with friends. They have many special memories with their friends of nearly six decades, Tim and Lois Pennell and Chuck and Maureen Groya. He loved watching the Tigers (and had a love/hate relationship with the Lions). He and his brother Trip, an avid Padres fan, loved to chat about their teams and the MLB in general.

Dave and Gail also spent many winters in Fort Myers, Florida where they had many special “Florida friends”. Dave was very grateful for that circle of friendship.

Dave was a big guy with a big personality and a spectacular, sharp sense of humor. He was a great storyteller. He enjoyed entertaining a group and was very down-to-earth. His magnetism would pull you in and you’d be rewarded with his clever wit.

David died peacefully on the morning of August 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Memorial Service will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. Dave’s family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the American Cancer Society or the City Rescue Mission of Saginaw.