David C. Briegel

David C. Briegel, 85, of Dowagiac, MI, passed away Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at The Timbers of Cass Co. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, with Rev. Chris Momany officiating. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, at the funeral home. Masks & Social Distancing will be required for both the visitation & service. Memorial donations in David’s name may be made to Southwestern Michigan College, First United Methodist Church in Dowagiac or The Salvation Army in Niles. Those wishing to sign David’s Memory Book or view his Celebration of Life Service may do so at www.clarkch.com. The service video will be available Sunday, January 31 also at www.clarkch.com. David was born November 26, 1935 in Holland Michigan to Charles & Laura (Bierman) Briegel. He graduated from Ottawa High School and went on to earn his Bachelor & Masters Degrees from Michigan State University, and of course, was a huge Spartan Fan. On December 23, 1962, he married the former Camille Solvie in Grand Rapids. David’s family moved to Southwest Michigan in 1967 when he gained employment with Southwestern Michigan College, beginning as the business manager, promoted to vice-president for business, and in 1981 was appointed as president, where he served until his retirement on July 1, 1998. He continued to serve part-time in special projects until summer 2013. David was a member of First United Methodist Church in Dowagiac. In his free time he enjoyed swimming, golf, pickle ball, skiing, spending time with his grandchildren and at their summer home on Lake Michigan, and many winters in Hilton Head, SC. David also enjoyed running-having run many 5 & 10K races, the 25K Riverbank Run, and a marathon in Hawaii. David is survived by his wife Camille; his daughter Carrie (Edward) Thomas of Nunica, MI; two grandchildren-Chloe & Ike Thomas; and his sister Edith Swart of Spring Lake, MI. He was preceded by his son Steven on March 1, 1990, and by his parents.