David Lawrence Dressler

David L. Dressler June 7, 1949 - June 17, 2021 David was born June 7, 1949 in Fort Belvoir, Virginia to Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Dressler and Marjorie June Dressler. David spent his childhood, as he put it, as an Air Force Brat, along with his four siblings Joel, Diane, Patrick, and Rick. Being an Air Force family allowed the Dresslers to travel the world while serving our country. He spent his earliest years in Germany where his dad was stationed. From there, Dave and family spent a lot of time in the DC area, and two years in Hawaii, where the Dressler kids almost never wore shoes, even to school. David spent his high school years in Pennsylvania, Paris, and London. He played basketball at school and while he wasn’t officially on the wrestling team, he was known to have a tumble or two with his brothers, the most memorable in a London hotel involving an epic battle with Patrick over a candy bar. After high school, David spent some time at the University of Maryland in Munich, Germany. With the Vietnam War in full swing, David enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1970. He was honored to be sworn into the Air Force by his father. He served a tour in Vietnam from 1971-72 as a Security Policeman. Following his service he went to Des Moines, Iowa where his father had retired after his time in the USAF. David lived in Des Moines for six months, listening to the best music with his brother Rick before deciding to follow his siblings Joel and Diane to Detroit and thrust himself into life in the Cass Corridor. David found work painting cars in a collision shop where he lived at 2nd and Prentice next to his favorite hang out, The Bronx Bar. He met his wife, Patricia, in Detroit on a whim. They had their first date at The New Miami (now known as The Old Miami) and went back to his apartment, sitting on his horsehair couch, while Patty had a severe allergic reaction to the animal fur. As she broke out in hives and her face swelled, he never said a thing, he just continued to revel in her beauty. He asked Patty to marry him on date number two. She said, “You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into.” David replied, “Pretty sure I do.” They married a year later on July 7, 1979. The newlyweds bought a home in Royal Oak, MI where they resided for 41 years, welcoming their children Matthew and Emily. David spent a lot of time coaching both Matt and Emily in soccer. Like most parents at the time, David did not initially know much about the game, but he was willing to give coaching a try and was a champion and cheerleader for so many players in the Royal Oak Youth Soccer Association. David also spent years as a licensed soccer referee and ran “Skill Day” for ROYSA. David was an accomplished automobile painter. He spent 25 years at Charnock Oldsmobile in Dearborn, MI. Once he left the car industry, he became a “Homer” at Home Depot, eager to mix paint and offer advice for those coming in for their home renovations. He only judged their paint choices after the fact with Patty, Matt, Amy, Emily, and John, while grilling something wonderful on his homemade smoker. David spent weekends working in the yard with Patty, and cursing the squirrels for throwing acorns at him. He spent many evenings at the Royal Oak Brewery, where he drank a pilsner out of mug #473 and talked politics with anyone who would listen. David and Patty eventually welcomed 5 grandchildren: Colin (10), Cody (7), William (7), Harper (5), and Betsy (4). All of the grandkids loved spending time with their Papa. From Colin’s donut spot, Will’s fondness for mustaches, Cody’s love of sweets, and snuggle time with Harper and Besty, each grandchild had their own unique bond with their grandfather. David was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his wife Patty, siblings Joel, Diane (Bob), Patrick (Mary), and Rick (Cindy). His son Matt (Amy) Dressler and daughter Emily (John) Handy. He is also survived by his grandchildren Colin, Cody, William, Harper and Betsy. His in-laws Kathy (Bob) Rosenow, Debbie (Mac) McKinney, Tom (Betty) Vickers, Celia (Jack) Christopher, Paul (Deb) Vickers, and Michael Vickers. David had many nieces and nephews who unfortunately fell into his “pull my finger” trick more than once. Family will receive friends and family at O’Brien Sullivan Funeral Home in Novi, MI on Wednesday, June 23 from 2pm to 6pm. David spent every hour he could with his time at Home Depot lending a hand to Volunteers of America, with a focus on helping homeless veterans. It was a cause that remained close to his heart. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Veterans Returning Home or the Detroit Soccer District.