David Woodard

On May 11, 2021, David Joseph Woodard gained his angel wings and entered Heaven, at the age of 31. Though he left this world too soon, he touched so many people's lives and taught us so much about life. He leaves behind his parents, Richard and Susan that love him more than words can express. He also leaves behind his sister, Kelli (Joshua Herrera) and his nephew and niece, Dylan and Mariana whom he was incredibly proud of and loved so very much. He was blessed with many aunts, uncles and cousins that loved him. David passed away with his emotional support dog, Lenah, by his side just as he wanted it. Though David was born with complex congenital heart disease, he didn't let that stop him, defying the odds and accomplished so many things. He was an amazing young man and will leave a void in our hearts. David graduated from Zeeland West High School and went on to Aquinas College to earn a BS in psychology. He then attended Western Michigan University where he earned his Masters of Social Work Degree. Throughout school and his short adult life he interned with Hospice and the Homeless and was a Student Disability mentor. David was passionate about helping others and worked with autistic kids. David was an avid reader and history buff. He always amazed us while watching "Jeopardy" that he could answer so many of the history questions. He loved digging into our family genealogy and was becoming the family historian. David was granted a wish by the Make A Wish Foundation at the age of 15, going to Hawaii to see Pearl Harbor. In college he then became a wish granter, giving back to the organization that he loved. He was an inspiration to so many parents of children with life threatening diseases. When life and his health became too much, he requested his parents continue his work with this organization, which they still do today. Throughout his life, David had numerous surgeries and procedures at University of Michigan/Mott Children's Hospital. He was a life-long fan of U of M…GO BLUE! His family extends their heartfelt thanks to his "teams" of doctors there; Dr. Mark Norris, Nurse Sandy, Dr. Richard Swartz, Nurse Libby, along with the whole Mott's ICU team. They became like part of our family. We know that David is now with his grandparents, Ray & Shirley Schumacher, Robert & Letty Woodard and Aunts Linda, Carol and Paula and is loved here on earth as well as in heaven. Visitation will be 1 - 4 pm Sunday, May 16, 2021 at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 South State Street, Zeeland. A private family graveside service will be held Monday, May 17th. In lieu of flowers a Memorial contribution may be given to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan in his memory. www.yntemafh.com

Tributes

David Woodard

July 1, 1989 - May 11, 2021