David "Dave" Clinton Greenhoe

David Clinton Greenhoe, age 83, of Schoolcraft, MI passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at his residence.  Mr. Greenhoe was born on September 1, 1939 in Kalamazoo, MI to the late Louis E. and Bessie M. (Black) Greenhoe.

Dave graduated High School in Schoolcraft, MI.  Upon graduating High School, Dave continued his education at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI where he obtained both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree.  Towards his Master’s Degree, Dave was fortunate to be able to travel abroad and study for an entire semester at the prestigious Oxford University in England. 

On December 7, 1961, the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Dave proposed to his future wife of 49 years, “A significant day in history; one disaster deserves another, will you marry me?” Then on August 4, 1962, he married Janet Smith in Standish, MI.  She preceded him in death in 2011. 

On May 23, 2015, he married Linda Kay (Shelley) Dienes at the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church, she survives. Dave and Linda met at the church when they volunteered for the Parade of Homes.  They enjoyed traveling to many fabulous places – Alaska, Florida, Virginia, British Columbia, Grand Canyon, Panama Canal, and Europe.

His love and passion for education was exemplified throughout his diligent efforts as an educator.  1961-1962, he was employed at Hopkins High School in Hopkins, MI and then he ventured on from 1962-1964, as a school teacher for Algonac High School in Algonac, MI.  During his years at Algonac, he helped found the Junior Chamber of Commerce.  He also helped found the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Constantine, MI during his years teaching at Constantine High School from 1964-1967.  When Dave’s true admiration for education was displayed was his 26 years spent alongside his first wife Janet, both as professors, at Glen Oak’s Community College in Centreville, MI.  Dave, Janet, and a few other very close friends, were the initial and founding faculty of Glen Oak’s and their spirit and cantor led the school to thrive and become what it is to this very day.  Dave retired with Janet in 1993 but their commitment and enthusiasm still echoes in the halls and classrooms of the college to this day.  

Dave was a huge sports and baseball enthusiast.  He prided himself as a player, coach at Glen Oak’s, umpire, and also helped teach both his daughter’s how to play soft ball.  Golfing was another pastime Dave enjoyed participating in as well.  Dave lived his life with a servant’s heart.  This quality allowed him to excel in volunteer and full-time EMT duties.  Dave was an EMT for Schoolcraft, Portage, and Three Rivers.  His heart also led him to becoming a driver for the Shepherd Center, where he respectfully won “Shepherd Center 1000 Mile Club” in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.  Dave enjoyed gardening, tending to his fruit trees, canning, and making apple cider.  He also was an avid hunter and enjoyed hunting trips with his brother-in-law Dennis and nephews Dirk, Kevin, Nathan and Jared.  Dave had a great heart, a completely calm and welcoming demeanor, and loved to help people.  He used his passion in education as a focal point and was the pillar to many students throughout his duration teaching.  Dave left a legacy behind and will be truly missed by those who loved him.  

Survivors include:

Spouse, Linda Kay Greenhoe of Schoolcraft, MI.

Daughter, Barbara and Randy Vader of Portage, MI.

Daughter, Jennifer Greenhoe and Kirk Diment of Kalamazoo, MI.

Step-daughter, Jennifer and Jeremiah Winchester of PawPaw, MI.

Step-daughter, Kris and David Payton of Hudsonville, MI.

Step-daughter, Teresa and Adam Dahlgren of Cassopolis, MI.

Grandchildren, Alexandria McClenton, Chandler Thomas, Ashley Vader, and Robert Nichols.

Step-grandchildren, Nick, Ronald, and Logan Munster, Ethan, Alex, and Ana Winchester, Austin, Aiden, Alek & Aleah Dahlgren, Joey, Isabelle, Lucas, and Elijah Payton

Great-grandchildren, Kyree and Amaya.

Dave was also preceded in death by 2 sisters; Dorothy Geary and Constance Morrison, and a great-granddaughter, Mia.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023 at 11:00am with visitation 1 hour prior from 10:00am-11:00am at the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church, 342 North Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087.

Officiating the service will be Pastor Karen Wheat.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers, may be directed to Autism Awareness, Epilepsy Foundation, and or the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

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