David M. Willer, known to many as ‘Whitey’, passed peacefully on June 24, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. David lived every day dedicated to fostering unique relationships with family, friends, co-workers and everyone he cared about. He was an avid sports fan and you will not find anyone else as committed to his profession than David (Whitey) (Chef).
He was diagnosed in November 2025 with stage IV gastric cancer. It took away his ability to digest and enjoy food, but it did not take away his will to live as normal as possible up until his last days. It was both hard and remarkable to watch.
David grew up in South St. Paul, Minnesota and in his early 20’s followed his brother Don to Grand Rapids, Michigan where he set down roots that spread in many ways. He raised his two children there with Cathy Sankey. Food was a passion for him and soon became the center of his career. He worked his way to executive chef and spent over 10 years at Centennial Country Club before he made a move to dining services coordinator at Sunrise Senior Living. The last several years he took on a regional role that had him traveling 4 days a week. He wore many hats through the years as a chef, manager, regional float and most of all took pride in putting a smile on all the resident’s faces. He was known for his unique ways of decorating with food for holidays and events.
Besides work, his other favorite past time was sports. Whether it was playing, watching or bantering with others, he was a super sports fan. And what made it special was that although he lived more than half his life in Michigan, he was a Minnesota sports fan though and through. He had the opportunity in the past several months to finally make it to the Twins pre-season and watch the Wild in other states. He never gave up on his teams.
David had a caring and loving support system around him, you know who you are, thank you!
Special thanks to the amazing team at Trinity Health Richard J. Lacks Cancer Center. He would not have made it through the last 8 months without all of you, both team members and patients. Thank you all for the grace and love you gave to him. He was truly blessed to have all of you.
Please join us for David’s Celebration of Life on July 9, 2026, beginning at 3:00PM at The Ridges of Cascade Clubhouse, 5985 Cascade Ridge SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Food will be served as well as a short service at 5:30pm. Come anytime through 7:00PM. We look forward to remembering David through stories, fellowship, and laughter.
4 Responses
Whitey, I will truly miss you. Are we 10 years together at Centennial country club we’re amazing. You are such a true good friend and every way. I will also miss your liver pate that you would make for me on special occasions my kids will remember when they worked for you during busy times. Till we meet again, my friend I love you.🥰❤️🥰
It was a joy working with Whitey her at Sunrise his smile made days fun took pride.in everything he did . He will be truly missed by all.
Shontell Childrey
David holds a very special place in my heart; for joining me with the Willer family and for blessing me with our two beautiful children.
These are blessings I will treasure for all of my days.
His career as a chef was just gaining recognition at Blythefield Country Club, where we met. He was a natural leader and loved being in charge; barking orders from behind the line, hands on hips in that authoritative stance. But when the pressure was off, he became charming and witty; always joking with the staff to the point you never knew when to take him seriously.
He was a loving and devoted father, but fighting the demands of a new career. True to form, he gave both kids their first job working with him at Centennial Country Club. He provided feasts at both high school graduations. He walked his daughter down the aisle..Memories that can’t be taken away.
Sadly, Orv and I will not be able to attend his celebration of life; we will be in South Dakota for our grandson’s wedding. It would have been great to connect with many family members we haven’t seen in years.
I know it will be a wonderful party with lots of friends, family and delicious food – exactly as David would have wanted!
Whitey was one of the best bosses i could have had very kind and understanding. He always made me laugh and smile.