David Scot Hillsburg Sr., 54, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2026, at Corewell Health Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 9, 1972, in Muskegon, Michigan.

Dave is survived by his beloved family: His wife, Heather Hillsburg; his children, Courtney Collins (Dylan), Brandi Collins, David Hillsburg Jr. (Alissa), Codi Hillsburg (Haley), Mackenzie Hillsburg (Ian), and Nicole Fevig (Tyler); and his grandchildren, Nayson, Leiland, Wyatt, Alexander, Alaska, Tay River Jo, August, Violet, Cannon, and Lennox. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Nancy, Father, Robert, and brother, Mike.

Dave was loud, sarcastic, and unapologetically himself. He had a way of making people laugh and was never afraid to say exactly what was on his mind. But underneath that big personality was an incredibly loving man who never hesitated to show affection to the people he loved.

Dave had his own special language of love. With his grandchildren, there were the famous “love bumps” and the rest of the family got the equally unforgettable “Hillsburg Kisses”—the kind of slobbery kisses more commonly associated with an overly enthusiastic dog.

Dave was a hardworking man who could fix just about anything. Throughout his life, he worked a variety of jobs, including janitorial work, roofing, internet installation, and most recently home maintenance. He never shied away from hard work and was always willing to lend a hand. He may have painted a hundred houses, but if you called him a painter, he would quickly remind you that he wasn’t. In his family’s eyes, though, he was the best handyman around.

Some of Dave’s favorite times were spent simply being with the people he loved. He enjoyed singing karaoke with his family, taking spontaneous trips with Heather to places like Frankenmuth and the Mackinac Bridge, and sharing laughs and a Guinness with friends. He found joy in the ordinary moments and had a gift for turning them into memories.

Dave leaves behind a legacy that his family will carry with them always: Be your authentic self, even if it gets you into trouble sometimes. He lived those words in his own way—with a loud laugh, a sarcastic comment, a helping hand, and a lot of love.

As George Strait sang, “Life’s not the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.”

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held on November 7, 2026, from 1:00–6:00 p.m. at the Eaton Rapids Conservation Club. Family and friends are invited to come together, share stories, laugh, remember, and celebrate the life of a man who was, above all else, unmistakably Dave.

Dave had always requested this song be played after his passing Confederate Railroad - Daddy Never Was The Cadillac Kind