David Charles 'Dave' Dalbec

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - David Charles "Dave" Dalbec, 77, of Wakefield, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2023, at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

Dave was born on Jan. 19, 1946, to Mayme (Cappo) and Elfreedor Dalbec. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1964. Dave continued his education and attended the Minneapolis Professional Business Institute and became a laboratory and X-ray technician. He married Bonnie Grayson, and was drafted into the U.S. Army shortly after. Dave served in Vietnam for two years. He and Bonnie had two children, Terri and Anthony "Tony," before eventually going their separate ways. He later married Susan Korpi, and the two of them enjoyed many years together.

The military was an important presence in Dave's life, and he continued his service in the Michigan National Guard for 21 years, where he passed on his knowledge and experience to many soldiers. He faithfully served as the commander at the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 for several years.

Dave was employed by the Wakefield Township Schools, where he worked for many years as a bus driver and custodian. His hobbies included spending time with family, hunting, fishing, trapping, reloading bullets and reading. Deer camp was an annual highlight!

Dave is survived by his wife, Sue; his children, Terri (Joe) Bugni, Iron Mountain, and Tony (Cheryl) Dalbec, Ashland, Wisconsin; a brother, Darrol (Carol) Dalbec, Wakefield; his sister-in-law, Holly Dalbec, Shelby Township, Michigan; his grandchildren, Emily (Kyle) Eckerberg, Katelyn (Brandon) Bugni and Devin Dalbec; Sue's children, Sarah (Tim Krueger) Piehl and Eric (Maggie) Niemi, as well as their children, Mikayle (Austin) Schulthies, Christopher Piehl and Ethan Niemi; a special aunt, Jean Sailer; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Dean Dalbec, M.D., on May 4, 2023.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, July 8, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at the Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, with a military graveside service under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

Luncheon will be served at the American Legion Geroux Post 11, 605 River St., in Wakefield, immediately upon return from the cemetery.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with their arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.