David Louis Degrandchamp

David Louis Degrandchamp, age 98 of Warren, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2020 at his daughter’s home in Frankfort, Michigan, supported by the compassionate care of the angels at Heartland Hospice. He was born July 13, 1921 in Warren, son of the late Zeno and the late Cecilia (nee: Ohlert) Degrandchamp.

With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we honor David’s service to our country during World War II. As a soldier in the U.S. Army Air Corps, he served with pride and patriotism for America, and for the furtherance of the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today because he was there. For the sacrifices made and his willingness to stand in harm’s way on our behalf, we extend our posthumous gratitude for his loyal and faithful service. David truly was a member of our country’s “Greatest Generation.”

David was also quite proud of his career in masonry, a profession that spanned over half a century and awarded him a 50th Year Gold Card from his union, the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers, Local 2 of Michigan. A brick in one hand and a trowel in the other, David’s craft was artfully carried out like Picasso with his paintbrush. He loved his job and found great reward in sharing his workday with his fellow union brothers, a unique fraternity of laborers and work mates that put their own brand of artistry into every structure built.

When he found time away from the job, you’d often find him hard at work in the backyard tending to his vegetable garden. He was quite proud of his patch of veggies, and was gifted with an impressive green thumb that helped him maintain its growth, beauty, and productiveness. He had the heart of a horticulturalist and the hands of a farmer, and it was a great honor for David each time a family meal included the fruits of his labors.

Between his vegetable maintenance and an affinity towards nutrition, David worked hard at keeping himself healthy and fit,…which just happened to keep him spry for all those cherished grandkids he adored. But whether it was they, his precious children, or his beloved wife of 71 years, family was the pinnacle in David’s life. Of all the aspects of life that he cherished, none could hold a candle to the love and adoration he held for his family. He was their mentor, their patriarch, and their greatest source of support. He leaves a legacy of love that is sure to be embraced with each reflection shared. He will be missed beyond measure and loved beyond expression.  

 David was the beloved husband of the late Jeannette, his beautiful wife with whom he shared a wonderful 71 years of marriage. He was the dear father of Kathleen (Bob) Baker, Andrea (John) Grix, David (Donna) Degrandchamp, John (Marce) Degrandchamp, Carol (Mark) Carlin, and the late Joan (the late Richard) Hannah. Loving grandfather of Phillip Carlin, Molly Carlin-Folk, Jill Carlin, Bethany Grix, Jacob Grix, David Z. Degrandchamp, Emily (Degrandchamp) Murray, Dolce Degrandchamp, Vincent Degrandchamp, Clara Degrandchamp, Jessica (Baker) Ohman, Sara (Baker) Whitten, Samuel Baker, Kathryn Baker, Ashley Baker, Richard Hannah, Samantha Hannah, and great-grandfather of Ryleigh McLain, Carol ann Carlin, James Carlin, Matthew Carlin, Natalie Folk, Penelope Carson, Hannah Murray, Denis Murray, Lorelai Baker, Noah Whitten, Madelyne Whitten, Colton Whitten, Anne Ohman, Joseph Ohman, Jacob Ohman, Lydia Ohman, Lizzie Ohman, Isaac Ohman, Elijah Ohman, and Ezekiel Ohman. Brother of Vincent Degrandchamp and Irene “Sister Zeno” Degrandchamp.

Private Family Services will be followed by entombment at Christian Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Rochester Hills, Michigan. A Memorial Service will be hosted by the family, in the future, for loved ones and friends to celebrate David’s life.

Memorial donations, in David’s memory, are welcomed to Heartland Hospice of Michigan, 26211 Central Park Blvd., #600, Southfield, Michigan 48076 (www.heartlandhospice.com) or to St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 31555 Hoover Road, Warren, Michigan 48093.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren, Michigan.

Please share memories of David at his guest book below.