David Allen Saukas

David Allen Saukas, age 66, passed away on December 20, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. David was born in Grand Rapids on March 9, 1959, one of the 9 children of Raymond & Margaret (Jost) Saukas.

A strong call to serve our country compelled David to enter the Navy in 1979. He proudly spent his working career as a firefighter and Damage Control Specialist for 20 years. He was honorably discharged in 1999.

In 2009, while attending an online bible study, David started up a friendship with Elizabete Schramm from Brazil. It didn’t take long for the two to fall in love, and they were united in marriage on September 22, 2011, in Grand Haven.

David lived life to the fullest, even after his health kept him from doing many things he loved. His greatest passion was riding his Harley-Davidson and all the adventures that came with it. He was certified in SCUBA diving and liked target shooting with his guns. He was an active member of the Wolverine Skyhawks, a RC aircraft club where he enjoyed flying his RC planes and drones. He was also the “El President” of the HOA, where he enjoyed living.

A man with a tough exterior, but a heart as tender as they come, David will be remembered by all who had the honor of knowing and loving him.

Besides his wife, Elizabete, David is survived by his siblings: Theresa Saukas, Bob (YuHong) Saukas, Joanne Saukas, Pat (Steve) Rapolevich, Jerry (Michelle) Saukas, and Tom Saukas; his brother-in-law Dave Higby and his mother and father-in-law Maria and Alberto Schramm as well as many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Fran VanNoord and Laura Higby and his sister-in-law Janet Saukas.

“Hoist the colors high and sail into the sunset. Rest in peace, Sailor.”

Visitation for David will be held on Monday December 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel where a funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Private family burial with military honors will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of David may be made to PVA (Paralyzed Veterans of America) https://pva.org/