David "Dave" Elmer Harden

David "Dave" Elmer Harden, age 82, of Grand Haven, passed away on September 16, 2025, at home surrounded by family and friends. He was born on October 9, 1942, in Grand Haven, MI, to the late George and Julia (Buczynski) Harden.

Dave graduated from Grand Haven High School and then went on to proudly serve his country in the US Marine Corps. from 1961 to 1966, during the Vietnam War Era. He then married Katherine Appel on February 11, 1967, in Grand Haven.

Dave was a hard worker and union member and worked as a crane operator. He referred to himself as a "BTO" (Big Time Operator) and then would laugh at his own joke. After retiring working with heavy equipment, he went onto drive long-haul semi-trucks which he especially enjoyed.

Dave was a former member of St. John's Lutheran Church, member of the Grand Haven Eagles Aerie # 925, and member of the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, and camping. Dave especially enjoyed hosting his own "Pronto-Pup" parties and sharing a beer with his best buddies. He was most known for being a jokester who always had a story to share with others.

Dave will be forever remembered and missed by his loving wife of 58 years, Katherine; two sons: David (Janet) Rogers of Sand Lake and Jeff (Kim) Rogers of Zeeland; three daughters: Jody (Martin) Briggs of Grand Haven, Amy Lawton of Grand Haven, and Lori (Scott) Kopenski of Casnovia; eight beloved grandchildren: Chelsea (Scott) Stream, Abrielle (Robert) Wildman, Madison (Nathan) Hadobas, Braydon (Genevieve) Soule, Libby Soule (Taylor Fortenbacher), Gracie Soule, Riley Kopenski (Alysabeth Bentley), and Chloe Kopenski; four great-grandchildren: Emmett, Wyatt, Valerie, and Kyle; step-grandchildren: Miranda (Josh) Rudkin, Jenna (Jeremy) Pouba, Kristi Carpentier, and Kayla Carpentier; and his four siblings: Arlene (Bill) Wierenga, Brenda Berkompas, Rosemary (Terry) Shrum, and Larry (Therese) Harden.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Kyle Soule; sister, Virginia Stolarz; and son-in-law, Trey Lawton.

A Celebration of Life Open House for Dave will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Grand Haven VFW Sgt. Alvin Jonker Post 2326. Full Military Honors by the US Marine Corps. and the VFW Post 2326 will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by a time of sharing. Interment will be at Robinson Township Cemetery at a later date.

The family wishes to thank Harbor Hospice for the care and respect given to Dave in his last days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial Contributions be made to Harbor Humane Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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