David Michael Grutza

Born on May 31, 1949, and raised in Detroit, David was the son of Laura and Zigmund Grutza and one of twelve children. Family, shared memories, and the bonds that came from growing up in a large family remained important throughout his life.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Lyn (Linda) Rushing; his daughters, Nikki and Stacy; and his siblings, Zigmund Jr. (Mary Ann) Grutza, Jennifer (Ted) Walsh, Joseph (Valerie) Grutza, Elizabeth (Joseph) Pilotto, James Grutza, Joann (Matthew) Weger, Laura (Wayne) Spearman, Kimberly (Barbaro) Garbey, and Mary Rose (Luther) Elliott. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Diana Grutza, wife of his late brother Robert Grutza, along with many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Robert Grutza and Michael Grutza.

David and Lyn first met in high school before life took them in different directions. They reconnected through social media in 2004, met for lunch, and the rest, as they say, is history. David and Lyn were married in 2012, beginning a marriage filled with love and happiness. Lyn was truly the love of David’s life.

Through his marriage to Lyn, David’s family grew to include her children, Aaron (Paula) Godfrey, Kenzie Elizabeth Godfrey, and Andrew Godfrey, and grandchildren Cullen and Gage, children of Aaron and Paula, and Adrian Donahue, Shaine Godfrey, and Brice Godfrey, children of Andrew.

David attended Christ the King School and graduated from Redford High School in 1967. He proudly served in the Army National Guard, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1974, and later earned an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Oakland Community College in 1979.

After working for the Chrysler Corporation, David enjoyed a career as an accountant with automobile dealerships throughout the Detroit area. In retirement, his love of music led him to work as a DJ, entertaining at weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and other celebrations.

An avid reader from an early age, David had an endless curiosity and devoured books on nearly every subject. He loved passing his books along to others and sharing his appreciation for the printed word.

A devoted sports fan, David’s greatest allegiance was to the University of Michigan, and he proudly wore his Maize and Blue.

Golf also held a special place in his life. Once a 10-handicap who could hit the ball a long way, David loved playing with family and friends. Even when his health slowed him down, he played as long as he could. His clubs were never far from his sight.

David was a lifelong Democrat with a genuine interest in politics and current events. He enjoyed staying informed, exchanging ideas, and sharing a good political conversation with family and friends.