David Bishop

David K. Bishop, age 73, of Grand Rapids, Michigan was welcomed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, January 19, 2026. Dave entered Heaven while surrounded by his devoted wife and family after a three-week hospital stay.

Our beloved husband, father, and papa was created by the Lord with an abundance of love for his family and friends, a gracious and caring heart for all and a strength in faith which he imparted on his children and grandchildren. He was such a blessing to everyone he met during his life on this earth. We are now rejoicing and celebrating with him as he is no longer suffering, and is now seeing and experiencing the Glory of his dear Lord and Savior's face with His chosen children in heaven.

Dave was born to Kenneth and Jeanne’ Bishop on April 1, 1952. He was the middle child with two sisters, Lynne Finkler and Jane Deters (Phil) who reside in the area. He was married to Colleen Bishop for 53 years. Together they raised their three children, Melissa Flickinger (Don), Heather Vereecken (Ryan), Nate Bishop (Sarah) all of whom reside in the Grand Rapids area. He enjoyed their five grandchildren; Katelyn and Lauren Flickinger, Tristan and Leila Vereecken, and Archer Bishop. He enjoyed writing devotions that were sent to the whole family each day. Dave was a wonderful example of how a Christian should lead their life.

Dave was a graduate of Grand Rapids Christian High School, Dordt College and Grand Valley State University’s Master’s Program. Dave met Colleen while getting his bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Psychology at Dordt College. They settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan where they made East Leonard Christian Reformed Church their home. Dave served on the church council many times, was a generous supporter, head of Mission Evangelism, ran the Ethiopian Children’s Fund, and enjoyed giving the children’s message on Sundays.

Dave's first career was as a brick laborer for his dad ‘s B.O.W Construction Company. After graduation he worked for Wedgewood Acres, Advisory Center for Teens, served as the director of the Hospitality House (Honolulu, Hawaii), Life Guidance, and then started his own social work practice. He specialized in caring for the elderly and disabled with home visits and at his church office. He started each day praying for the clients he would see and was a huge blessing in their lives.

Dave enjoyed athletics from an early age. He enjoyed fast pitch softball, playing golf with family and friends, and watching sports on TV. There were often family group texts with highlights and scores from the games.

Dave’s legacy was to fill Heaven. He wanted each and every person he came in contact with to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but our assurance is that we will spend eternity together in Heaven.

A memorial service of Dave's life will be held on Saturday, January 24 at 2:00pm at East Leonard Christian Reformed Church at 1027 Leonard St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The family will meet for visitation an hour before the service, and a time of fellowship will follow in the church basement.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dave’s honor can be given to East Leonard CRC or ELCRC Ethiopian Child Fund.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Bishop, please visit our floral store.