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David J. Mileski, 74, of Marquette (Saux Head Lake), died at 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2008, at Marquette General Hospital, where he had been a patient for eight days.

David was born October 3, 1933, in Stambaugh, Mich., and lived in Marquette until he moved to Saux Head Lake near Big Bay, Mich. He was the son of Zigmund P. and Irene (Schultz) Mileski and was a graduate of John D. Pierce High School, Class of 1951. He married his wife of 55 years, Mary C. Boyd, on November 8, 1952. Together they raised their family, two sons, one daughter and several kitties. David led an active life at home as a father and as a dedicated community member. He served as Garage Foreman for the Michigan State Police in Marquette and Negaunee and retired from the State of Michigan in 1991. He won the very first snowmobile race in the United States that was held in Marquette on December 29, 1962, and was a charter member of the Hiawathaland Snowmobile Club. David went on to pursue his passion for the culinary arts and was an active member of the American Culinary Federation as a "Culinary Enthusiast." He volunteered cooking and serving for many organizations, especially St. Mary's Catholic and the Community Presbyterian Churches in Big Bay. He was a dedicated supporter of the Northern Michigan University Culinary Arts Program as well as to other worthwhile culinary programs. He also was a "better than above average" cribbage player and fisherman and he loved the outdoors.

David is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Mileski of Marquette (Saux Head Lake); two sons, James (Sande) Mileski of Marquette and Stephen Mileski (Peggy Bonner) of Northland, Mich.; one daughter, Susan M. Tracy (Robert Koehs) of Marquette; two grandchildren, Nathan (Brianna) Mileski of Marquette and Carey Mileski of Petoskey, Mich.; one much anticipated great-grandchild on the way; a sister, Pauline Mileski of Marquette; and his beloved kitties, Snuggles and P-Oui.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Big Bay Community Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Carolyn Raffensperger officiating (137 Bensinger, Big Bay) with visitation at church beginning at 11 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorial contributions be made to the U.P. Chapter of the American Culinary Federation (UPACF) in order to establish a scholarship in David's name. Online condolences may be made at www.fassbenderswanson.com