David Leon Mihills

David “Pops” Mihills passed away peacefully in his Grand Haven, MI home on Sunday, June 3, 2018.  He lived a long, full, and blessed life in constant service of this country, the State of Michigan and most importantly, of his family and friends. 

He was born in Niles, Michigan in 1945, and began his life of service in 1967 with the Michigan State Police (MSP) in Mount Pleasant, and was later appointed as a Special Agent with the Department of Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) in the Detroit Field Office.  It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Suzanne (Hardy) Mihills.  They married in 1976 and a couple years later, welcomed their daughter, Audrey Sprite-Mihills, who became the second light of his life. Dave and his family transferred to the Grand Rapids Resident Office where he retired after 26 years of service.  In 2008, he welcomed his best buddy and grandson, Colton David Mihills, and spent the next ten years teaching and guiding the third light of his life.  

During the 41 years Dave and Suzanne were married, his talents and interests were endless; outside of his career, he was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting, training/judging bird dogs at field trials for the Beverton Grouse Club/American Field, and could often be found fishing on his boat, or out on a golf course. 

Highlights of his career include; providing protection for several Presidential candidates, participating in numerous undercover operations, investigations surrounding Waco, TX, the Oklahoma City Bombing, and the murder of Officer Scott Flahive. He was devoted and involved in his community, even when it was not required of him or his position; he consistently found a way to be involved in his community. Examples include, among many others, the West Michigan Enforcement Team (WEMET), the MSP, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department, and the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety.

Throughout his life, Dave was a mentor to several federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, including his daughter, earning him the nickname of “Pops” from those who he guided and took under his wing. No matter how busy he was, he always went above and beyond to remain the best husband, father, and friend anyone could hope for. The level of honesty, integrity, and dedication he displayed is unrivaled. 

David will be remembered and deeply missed by his wife, Suzanne; his daughter, Audrey Sprite-Mihills; son-in-law, Andrew Sprite; his grandson, Colton David Mihills; his sister, Carol (Ted) Barris; sister-in-law, Dianne Shoemaker; very dear friends of the family, Terry (Mina) Petterson, Steve (Pat) Herrema, and the Boss/VanderHaar family, the Hanselman Family; three nieces, Lisa Shoemaker, Amy and Susie Osborne; and a nephew, Luke Shoemaker. He was preceded in death by his parents and dear friend James Bowerman.

A Visitation for David will be held on Sunday, June 10, 2018, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home followed by a Celebration of Life in the Grand Hall at Portobello Restaurant, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Memorial Contributions in David’s honor may be given to the:

Michigan State Police Troopers Association, 1715 Abby Rd., Suite B, East Lansing, MI 48823.

http://www.mspta.net/mstaf/donations/

or

The National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Fund, 901 E Street, NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20004-2025

https://mynleomflegacy.org/give-memorial-fund/

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