David R. Strlekar, 69, of Cassopolis, passed away suddenly, while vacationing in the U.S. Virgin Islands, on Saturday, April 19, 2014.

He was born on May 10, 1944 in Eveleth, Minnesota to the late Joseph and Angeline (Russ) Strlekar.

David earned his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and a master’s in education from Michigan State University. He spent a 39-year career with the Dowagiac Union Schools, first as a teacher and 33 years as an administrator. He took great pride in serving as principal at Lincoln, Kincheloe and Sister Lakes Elementary.

He was a golfer and an avid sports fan with great passion for the Michigan State Spartans, Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Vikings, and was devoted in his attendance at games for the many teams representing the Dowagiac schools.

He was the current president of the Dowagiac Optimist Club, a past-treasurer of the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principal’s Association, a member of the Elks Club of Dowagiac and was serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals for Calvin Township.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Angeline.

Dave is survived by his wife Barbara K. Strlekar of Cassopolis, three daughters; Nicole (Ty) Wilson of Orlando, Florida, Monica (Mike) Finnimore of Orlando, Florida and Andrea (Justin) Koegel of Orlando, Florida, five grandchildren; Mya, Mason and Tyson Wilson, Drake Finnimore and Colton Koegel, two brothers Jon (Nita) of Laguna Woods, California and Joe (Joan) Strlekar of Eveleth, Minnesota and one sister Joleen (John) Peterka of Osakis, Minnesota.

Friends and family will gather in celebration of Dave’s life at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel in Niles, Michigan with a time of visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dave’s memory to Dowagiac Schools Foundation 243 S. Front Street, Dowagiac, Mich. 49047 or to the Dowagiac Optimist Club C/O Honor Credit Union 56337 M-51 S, Dowagiac, MI 49047.

Photos, memories and condolences may be left for the family on our website at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or on our Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHomeNiles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.