David Dale 'Chief' Khoury

HURLEY, Wis. — David Dale “Chief” Khoury, 74, of Hurley, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021.

David was born Nov. 5, 1946, in Wakefield, Michigan, to June Martin and Dale Khoury.

He attended Union Grove High School in Union Grove, Wisconsin, and graduated in 1965. He then entered military service in the U.S. Navy on April 5, 1966. On Dec. 12, 1970, he married Deidre Zirzow of Silver Lake, Wisconsin, with whom he shared 20 years of marriage and two children.

While employed by the U.S. Navy, David obtained his bachelor’s degree in criminology from Columbia College and numerous commendations. David’s patriotism was evident in his naval career during which he traveled to various parts of the world where he became fluent in three languages. He served two tours in Vietnam for which he was awarded a Bronze Star, and was especially proud of his service on the USS Halibut submarine (as cited in the book “Blind Man’s Bluff”).

David retired from the U.S. Navy in February 1996 at the rank of E-7, chief master at arms, after 30 years of exemplary service to his country. David then went on to serve as a deputy at the Lac Vieux Desert Tribal Police Department, the Gogebic-Ontonagon County community corrections coordinator, central dispatch for both the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office and Ironwood Public Safety Department, adjunct instructor in criminology at Gogebic Community College, and owned and operated Khoury’s Saddle Club in Ironwood, Michigan.

David had many hobbies and strived to do them all well. He played piano beautifully, enjoyed golf, bowling, lawn bowling, hunting, fishing, and most of all, he was a horse racing enthusiast.

David was preceded in death by his mother, June Martin; his father, Dale Khoury; two brothers, Earl and Scot Khoury; and the mother to his children, Deidre Khoury.

He is survived by his children Amy (incredibly special son-in-law Todd) Hamel of Ironwood, and Abe (Brittany) Khoury of Ironwood; his grandchildren, Austin Dishneau, Kevin Dishneau and Hailey Johnson; and his great-grandson, Aiden Dishneau. He is also survived by a sister, Ria Khoury-Gray (Dave) of New Braunfels, Texas; and many other close relatives.

David lived his life to the fullest and made many special friends along the way. He had a lifelong friendship with Larry “Bones” (Etha) Newhouse of Bergland, Michigan; and he treasured his close relationships with many of his brothers in arms.

He will be greatly missed by his family and all who were fortunate enough to call him “friend.”

To honor David’s wishes he has been cremated and no public service will be held. His final resting place will be the Lakeside Cemetery in Bergland. In lieu of any gifts, David and family would appreciate contributions to the Bergland United Methodist Church, 108 Birch St., Bergland, MI 49910, where he attended as a child.

“See you at the finish line” —Dave

The Bratley Funeral Home in Washburn, is assisting the family with arrangements. To view the obituary, sign the guestbook, or send a condolence please visit our website at bratleyfamilyfuneralhomes.com.