David W. Kaemming, age 84, of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Pleasant Lake, MI, passed away on September 28, 2026.
He was born on December 23, 1941, in Toledo, OH, the son of Marcus and Jayne (Heilner) Kaemming.
David grew up in Lambertville, MI. He served in the U.S. National Guard from 1964–1970 and was federally activated during the Detroit Riots. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Michigan University and later earned his Specialist Degree from the University of Toledo. David worked for many years as a high school art teacher at Whitmer High School in Toledo. He also taught collegiate art at the University of Toledo, where he was beloved as an educator.
On April 23, 1965, David married the love of his life, Shirley M. (Gunner), in Erie, MI. They shared 61 years of marriage and raised their family in Erie. He was known for being a kind and well respected member of the close knit community. In 1997, David and Shirley moved to Pleasant Lake. This second home became a very special place to them and helped define who they were—lake people. David loved swimming and every aspect of living on the water. Art was both a hobby and a shared passion for David and Shirley. His whimsical style was expressed through ceramics, painting, and papermaking. David’s artwork is displayed and enjoyed around the world. He also enjoyed watching collegiate sports, especially University of Michigan football.
Most of all, David was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and could often be found on the sidelines cheering them on. He recently celebrated the birth of his first great-grandchild, a very special addition to the family.
David will also be remembered for his kindness. He was a genuinely special and gentle person who cared deeply about others and made people feel welcome. He was social by nature and had a way of brightening a room with his sweet disposition, easy smile, and fun sense of humor. His warmth and kindness were evident in the way he treated people, and he was simply a joy to be around. He was always positive regardless of the situation.
In 2023, David and Shirley moved to Silver Maples Retirement Community, where they made many new friends. They remained active in the community and enjoyed participating in the many activities offered at Silver Maples. David often spoke of how blessed he was to have lived in three great communities.
David is survived by his wife, Shirley; their two sons, Mathew (Julie) of Richland, MI, and Marcus (Lisa) Kaemming of Pleasant Lake (formerly of Chelsea), MI; four grandchildren, Benjamin (Bridget), Leah (Max), Nicholas, and Renee; his great-granddaughter, Jane; his sister, Janus Burton of Temperance, MI; sister-in-law, Judy (Myron) Seger of Erie; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his infant twin brother, Daniel, and brothers-in-law, Gary Gunner and Larry Gunner.
Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m on Tuesday, October 6 at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI. A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. following the visitation.
Memorial contributions may be made to Silver Maples of Chelsea with “Employee Scholarship Fund” in the memo.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
