David John Zilke

David John Zilke, 89, of Bridgman passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman, MI 49106 with Reverend Dr. Douglas Krengel officiating. Friends may meet with the family from 10-11 AM on Saturday at the funeral home, prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be give to Berrien County Youth Fair, www.bcyf.us, 9122 US-31, Berrien Springs, MI 49103. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

Dave taught all of us what it looks like to give generously. He gave his time, his talents, his humor, his ample knowledge and quiet wisdom, and above all, his love. Whether he was making the world’s best mashed potatoes, leaving out corn for the deer and sunflower seeds for the birds, or working alongside a homeowner to design the perfect house, he gave his whole heart.

He had a deep sense of responsibility—always to his family, but also to his employees, clients, neighbors, and to the land around him. Dave looked out for extended family, tracked the favorite treats of the many birds he fed, and made sure even the racoons, possums, and squirrels didn’t feel left out. His love of animals was part of a larger gentleness that ran through him.

Dave had a lifelong passion for cars, raced cars on Red Arrow Highway as a teenager and loved stock car races. He was a familiar presence at car shows on Labor Day weekends, for many years showing off his latest project or classic find—like the Jaguar rescued from Massachusetts, which somehow ended up in France. He brought that same mix of curiosity and commitment to everything he did.

Dave’s professional life reflected his exceptional talents and deep integrity. He began his career building homes with his father and brother, Alan, and designed and built many custom and spec homes, including the much-loved Chalet on the Lake. After marrying in 1980, he and his wife, Chris, formed David Z & Company, where they spent decades creating homes that were full of care, character, and detailed craftsmanship. A founding member of the Southwest Michigan chapter of the Home Builders Association of Michigan and an active member of the Building Codes Committee, Dave helped shape not just individual homes, but the standards of the industry itself. He also worked with the Berrien County Conservation District to protect the health of the Galien River—a reflection of his enduring concern for the environment and his community.

What made Dave exceptional, though, was not just what he built, but how he treated the people around him. As one former employee wrote, “Dave was the best boss I ever had. He cared for his employees, was a patient teacher, forgave mistakes, gave praise, and recognized extra effort.” His clients became friends, and his colleagues trusted him not just for his expertise, but for his fairness and generosity.

He was an outstanding grill-chef—grilling sausages and pork chops to perfection and setting the standard for the most delicious steak. He won his 8th grade spelling bee, played on the Bridgman High School basketball team, and for many years was a licensed pilot and flight instructor. He was an avid reader. But beyond all those details was a man of enormous heart and conviction. He made people feel welcome, respected, and cared for.

Dave lived with purpose and warmth, always with a sweet tune in his head, which he shared with all of us around him right up to his last days. His impact is etched into homes and landscapes, but even more so into the lives of the people who knew him. He will be missed deeply—and remembered with love.

Survivors include his wife, Christiana; his daughter, Nancy Zilke Seldomridge; and his son, David A. (Ava) Zilke; their mother, Elizabeth Zilke; his grandchildren: Michael (Young Hee) Kreps, Elijah (Emily) Zilke and Avalyn Zilke (Nathan) Spragg; his great-granddaughter, Flora Zilke; step-sons: Max (Julie Lanz) Ochoa and Todd (Erica Samoff) Ochoa; step-daughter, Christiana (Jay Krishnan) Ochoa; step-grandchildren: Catherine and Alex Lanz Ochoa, Gabo and Marcus Ochoa Samoff, and Jackson, Ivan and Diana Ochoa Lynch.

David was preceded in death by his son, John S. Zilke.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman.