JEWELL, David Brant

Richville, MI

David entered heaven at age 72 on October 24, 2018, after a short and fearless battle with a rare brain cancer. Dave was born on July 18, 1946, to Ira Wilbur (a.k.a. Jack) and Ida Wilhemena (Hillert) Jewell in Saginaw, Michigan. Dave was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at St. John Lutheran Church on Federal St., Saginaw. After graduating from Arthur Hill High School, he received an Associate's degree from Delta College and began a 30-year career in financial services at Lutheran Brotherhood. Dave achieved a personal goal when he became a deacon in 2012, and he faithfully served as a Gideon, raising money to purchase Bibles and distributing them on college campuses. He enjoyed leading worship once a month at Independence Village where his mother-in-law, Irene Buchinger, lives and was honored to do the same twice a month at Meadowview where his father lived at the end of his life. Dave was an avid Detroit Tigers and Mid-Michigan Loons fan, and he enjoyed going to his grandchildren's sporting events and school concerts. One of his greatest joys was visiting Israel in 1996 where he rejoiced at the sight of the empty tomb and brought home water from the Jordan River that was used to baptize his five grandchildren.

He married Kay Louise Buchinger on January 29, 1967, at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Richville where he had served as an elder, a member on the board of evangelism, and a member of the Lutheran Laymen's League. Kay and their three daughters survive him: Stacey Stahl (Michael) of Saginaw, Angela Merkiel (James) of Frankenmuth, and Erin Jewell of Chicago. He loved and prayed for his grandchildren, Jacob, Alexa, and Chelsea Merkiel and Alannah and Jaden Stahl.

He is survived by his brother, Mark Jewell (Debra), of Elwell and sister, Susan Kretchman (James), of Fowlerville and many nieces, nephews, siblings-in-law, and cousins. In addition to eagerly anticipating meeting Jesus face to face, he was awaiting a heavenly reunion with his beloved grandparents, Sadie and Clarence Jewell and Ida and Edward Hillert; his parents; his father-in-law, Howard Buchinger; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, October 27, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 3455 S. Van Buren Road, Richville, Michigan.  Rev. Wesley Gillaspie will officiate with burial in St. Michael's Cemetery.  Dave's family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. For those considering a memorial in Dave's name instead of sending flowers, his family suggests the Gideon's International, St. Michael's Lutheran Church, or Valley Lutheran High School.

Please sign our guest book or share an online condolence with the family at www.cederbergfh.com