David Lavern Hetherington passed away into eternal life surrounded by his family, on Monday, 09/14/2026, at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids after complications from a severe stroke. Dave was born on 04/27/1948 to Donald and Margie (Fisher) of Shepherd.
Dave was a lifelong resident of Shepherd, growing up on the family dairy farm just outside of town. He was an outstanding athlete in high school playing football, basketball and baseball. He worked on the family dairy farm with his parents until age 38 when the cows were sold and Dave went to work for the Delfield Company in Mt. Pleasant. He was a dedicated employee at Delfield for 27 years until his retirement in 2013.
Dave enjoyed several hobbies during his lifetime, especially in retirement. Dave loved spending time with his family and liked to fish. He was an avid deer hunter on the family farms his whole life. He also loved to see and feed wildlife, always keeping his bird feeder full and occasionally trying to grow corn in the winter. Dave cut copious amounts of wood his whole life, selling some and heating his home with the rest of it.
Dave was a loving and kind person who dearly loved his family, especially his 5 grandchildren. Dave enjoyed meeting new people and was always eager to talk to anyone whether he knew you or not.
Dave is survived by his three sons, Steve (Marge), Mark (Erin) and Brad (Tari) Hetherington. Grandchildren Kelsey (Danny) Bishop, Blake, Logan, Lucas, and Paige Hetherington. His sisters Jan Hetherington and Sherrie Ashford and brother Rich Hetherington, and several nieces and nephews.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Margie Hetherington and brother-in-law Sherman Ashford.
Visitation will be held Friday, 9/18/26, from 4-8 pm at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with a vigil service at 7 pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, 9/19/26 at 1:30 pm with visitation starting at 12:30 pm at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Shepherd. Dave will be buried at the Lincoln Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Dave to the Shepherd Community Foundation or a local charity of your choice. Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
