DAVID VanNOCKER

David “Dave” VanNocker, 79, of Petoskey, Michigan, died July 17, 2024 at Bay Bluffs Care Facility in Harbor Springs. With McLaren hospice care, and support from his dear friends Rich and Maria Ginop, he was able to live independently in his beloved home until early May.

Born on Aug. 8, 1944 to Ivan and Adeline (Kemnitz) VanNocker, Dave grew up in Alpena, Michigan, with his three siblings. He graduated from Alpena Catholic Central High School, and two days later enlisted in the United States Air Force. Dave served six years as a Specialist Surgical Assistant at the USAF base hospital in S. Ruislip, England.

After his Air Force service, Dave attended general courses at Alpena Community College, and then progressed to Northern Michigan University to attain a certificate in Refrigeration, Heating, and Air Conditioning. He spent his career in this industry, first working with contractors in Petoskey, and eventually opening his own business, Petoskey Air Care, in 1984. He took pride in providing quality service across residential, commercial, agricultural, and marine settings.

Dave’s interests included photography, keeping up with current events, and flying stunt kites. He once traveled as far as Puerto Rico for a kite-flying event. His greatest joy was following his daughters and their careers as they grew up.

He is survived by his two daughters, Christina “Chrissy” VanNocker, of Phoenix, Arizona, and Amy (Marcelo) Pereira of Oakland, California, and his former wife, Barbara Franklin. Also surviving are two sisters, Carol Judkins of Boyne City, Michigan, and Sarah (Dennis) Deapo of Lakeland, Florida. Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Jim VanNocker, all of Alpena, Michigan.

The family would like to thank McLaren Hospice and Bay Bluffs for their professional and compassionate care. Most of all, we are grateful to his faithful friends, Rich and Maria Ginop, for their unwavering support during Dave’s final years.

Honoring his request, Dave has been cremated. A memorial service will be held at Stone Funeral Home in Petoskey, Michigan, on Aug. 26 (visitation 10-11 a.m., service at 11 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to donate to a charity of their choice in memory of Dave.