WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
It is with a deep sense of both sadness and gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of David H. Minger on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the age of 82, after a prolonged period of declining health. Dave, was born on June 20, 1943 in Three Rivers to Irvin (Tiny) F. and Maxine Minger. Dave’s journey through life was marked by unwavering faith and a dedication to family and community that touched all who knew him.
Dave was a proud graduate of Mendon High School, class of 1961. His career began at Simpson Paper Mill in Vicksburg, where he honed his skills as a millwright-machinist and later as a pipe fitter. It was during his tenure at Hydromatic in Three Rivers, that Dave felt a calling to pastoral ministry in the United Methodist Church. This calling led him to pursue higher education with a B.A. from Western Michigan University and an M.Div. from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH.
Dave started his pastoral ministry at Nottawa United Methodist Church and continued to serve various congregations, including Athens UMC, Springport and Lee Center UMCs, Portage Prairie UMC, Emmanuel UMC in Traverse City, and Old Mission Peninsula UMC. Even after his official retirement in 2006, Dave’s commitment to ministry remained strong as he continued to serve Pleasant Lake UMC, Jackson Zion UMC, and Griffith UMC.
On September 1, 1962, at Mendon United Methodist Church, Dave married Charlene Blanchard, the love of his life. Together they shared 51 years, welcoming three children and five grandchildren. After Char’s passing, Dave married Janice Phillips on July 3, 2015, who survives him. Dave’s legacy is carried on by his children, Stacy R. Minger, Cathy M. (James) Merrifield, and David M. (Noel) Minger, along with his stepson, Michael Phillips. His grandchildren, Caleb (Asia Artress) Merrifield, Jacob (Hayley) Minger, Kelsey (Jordan) Badder, Jillian (Jacob Gallette) Merrifield, and Olivia Ann Minger, remember him as a loving and devoted grandfather. He is also survived by his brothers, Dan (Sandy) Minger and Doug (Kathy) Minger.
Dave was predeceased by his parents, Irvin (Tiny) F. Minger and Maxine Minger Clark, his granddaughter, Olivia Ann Minger, as well as his sister and brother-in-law, Darlene and Firmer Clarey.
An avid outdoorsman, Dave found joy in hunting, fishing, and golfing, especially when accompanied by friends.
A Service of Death and Resurrection will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Robbins United Methodist Church, 6419 Bunker Rd. Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 with Rev. Jeff Swainston presiding. Visitation at the church will begin at 10 AM and extend to the start of the service at 12 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dave’s memory can be made to Eaton Rapids Camp Meeting or Robbins United Methodist Church.
Dave’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of Eaton County Rehabilitation Services, especially Chelssie, Avery, and the Harmony Way team, for their compassionate care. Special thanks are also extended to Mills Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids for their kind assistance.
As per his wishes, Dave’s body has been cremated, and interment will take place at a later date in Mendon, under the care of the Eickhoff Funeral Home.
