David Daniel Veramay

DAVID DANIEL VERAMAY

David Veramay passed away peacefully on May 22, 2020. He was born July 26, 1932 in Albion, Mich. to Rev. Ostophia and Antonia (Jedrosek) Veramay. He graduated from Albion High School in 1952 where he was a standout athlete in several sports, most notably as a pitcher for the Wildcats. “Pops” pitched a memorable no-hitter game back in 1950. Many of happiest memories involved his childhood friends with whom he shared lifelong friendships. Until recently, these same friends could still be found each Friday at Cascarelli’s reminding each other of their youthful misdeeds.

Dave served his country as a member of the National Guard and completed Officer Training School at Fort Sill, Okla. He married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Fick, on June 27, 1954 in Albion at the now-named Salem United Church of Christ. Dave spent 25 years in service with the Albion Fire Department, retiring as Assistant Chief. He was the Clarence Township Supervisor for 17 years and also served as its Assessor for 47 years. He served on many committees and boards including the Calhoun County Road Commission. Dave was proud of his role in establishing the public employee union in Albion. The safeguards he insisted upon including in the pension system guarantee its financial solvency to this day.

In 1970, Dave and Joanne purchased a beautiful farmland parcel bordering on Prairie Lake. They spent many happy years tending a huge garden and maintaining a beautiful orchard. His carefully tended grapevines produced juice, jelly and wine for decades. He was a beekeeper for 70 years and enjoyed teaching others about the hobby and sharing the honey. A talented carpenter and contractor, he built several of the family’s homes as well as others in the area.

Dave and Joanne enjoyed fishing together at Prairie Lake. He also enjoyed taking fishing trips to Northern Michigan and Canada with family and friends. It was an annual holiday tradition for Dave and Joanne to make dozens of loaves of German kuchen bread from his mother-in-law’s special recipe. He would deliver these to friends and family with bottles of homemade wine and jars of honey.

Dave’s father immigrated from Russia and married his mother who was from Poland. His mother died when he was just two leaving a large family to raise and care for each other. As the next to youngest child, Dave was watched over by many siblings and in turn, was there for them in their later years. Nothing was more important to him than the happiness of his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his brothers Stephen, John, Joseph (Eleanor) and sisters Anne V. Thompson, Esther (Louis) Segars, Leada (Bill) Sleight, Mary Jane (Wally) Schafe and Ruth (Trent) Bentley. His brother, Donald (Louise), survives.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joanne (Fick). He will be tremendously missed by his children Sherie Veramay of Lansing, D. Scott (Nancy Radcliff) of Portage, Robert of Albion and Karen (Matthew) Hagerty of Castaic, Calif.; grandchildren Drue Wagenschutz, Sophia and Myles Hagerty, Mark (Kim) Radcliff, Mary (Danny) Frost; great-grandchildren Matthew and Katelynn Radcliff (and baby Frost on the way). He will also be missed by 15 nieces and nephews who knew their Uncle David was always there for them. He was the rock and glue of the Veramays.

He leaves behind many dear friends who were family to him. He was especially close to Robin (Phil) Kulikowski and family who share in our grief. His work also brought him the valuable friendship of Joanna Johnson and her family who gave him many happy times.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date when family and friends can safely be together. Dave would wish you to honor him by calling a friend or family member, planting a tree, helping a person in need, or standing up against an injustice. If he were to be remembered for anything, it would be his honesty and desire to stand up for people who couldn’t do it themselves. A dear friend summed it up best for us saying “the good he has done in the world goes on.”

Arrangements by Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the on line obituary, sign the guest book or leave messages for the family.