Sussman-Laabs

Excellent Engineer. Vice President of Engineering for Kent Moore Corp. A more likeable fellow you'll never meet.

David L. DeMartelaere, age 79, a resident of Romeo since 1987 and previously from Troy, passed away at his home on Monday, November 24, 2014. Dave was born May 12, 1935 in Rock Island, IL., the son of Marcel and Paula (VanLandegem) DeMartelaere. David married the former Janet Mentier on January 6, 1962 at St Mary's Catholic Church in Royal Oak. After graduating from University of Illinois in February of 1958 with an engineering degree, Dave worked for many companies as an Automotive Engineer. He started work with Chrysler Missile in Sterling Heights, setting up Missile sites in Italy. He then worked for Holley Carb in Warren for many years and then retired from SPX Corporation in Warren in 1996. Upon retirement, he enjoyed working on and driving his 1931 Model A, helping out at St Clement Catholic Church where he helped out with his wife Janet on the Funeral Luncheons and helped his children out with any renovating projects on their homes, where he became know as the famous “Mr Fix It”. During the Christmas season, he designed and built elaborate games for his children and grandchildren, most notably, his 9 hole miniature golf course with water hazard of course. Dave is survived by his wife Janet, daughters: Denise (Rob) Prough of Shelby Twp., Debi (Ken Appleman) Martone of Romeo, Donna (Paul Jett) DeMartelaere of Madison Heights, and Deanna (Greg) Heiden of Capac. Also survived by 14 grandsons, 2 granddaughters, and 4 great grandsons along with sisters: Alice Ann (Hugh) Epperson and Georgene Sivertsen both of Rock Island, IL. Funeral services will take place on Friday at 11 AM at St Clement Catholic Church of Romeo with Fr. Stephen Reckker officiating. Donations to the Samaritan House of Romeo would be appreciated. Visitation will take place on Wednesday from 1-8 PM with a 7:30 PM Rosary by the Knights of Columbus, Council #7018 at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home, Romeo Michigan.