David Tyson Peahl, 70, of Wayland, died in a plane crash near South Haven Tuesday, Aug. 2.
He spent his childhood surrounded by his close-knit family on Lake Minnetonka; a place that held fond memories of lake activities, skiing, and water sports. His family moved to Wheaton, IL and he graduated from Wheaton Central High School in 1970. He attended Huron College in South Dakota and later played soccer at College of Dupage.
Dave furthered his adventures with a passion for aviation and began flight training. In one year, Dave earned his private, instrument and commercial pilot’s licenses and obtained his first flying job as a flight instructor at Dupage Airport. After flying several years as a corporate pilot, he began his commercial aviation career with American Eagle in 1986. He later transferred to American Airlines as a first officer on the Boeing 737 and retired in 2017.
He continued to instruct and mentor aviation enthusiasts and kept active playing hockey, snow skiing, waterskiing, and traveling with his wife, Treece.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Patrice; children, Matthew Peahl, Kirstin Peahl, Brendan Peahl; grandchildren, Taylor, Kristien, Graysen, Madison; siblings, Robert (Melodie) Peahl, Susan (Jeff Bradley) Peahl; step-mother, Margaret Peahl; step-siblings, Douglas (Patricia) Grunnet, Mike (Deb) Grunnet, Vickie (David) Halvorson; numerous nieces, nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jeanne Peahl.
Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 5 to 8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood. A memorial service will be held at noon Thursday, Aug. 11, with an hour of visitation prior, at Gun Lake Community Church, 12200 W M 179 Hwy., Wayland, with Pastor Dan Beyer officiating.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association and pilots may donate to the APA Emergency Relief and Scholarship Fund. https://www.alliedpilots.org/Home/Emergency-Relief-and-Scholarship-Fund.
