David John Truog, 78, of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids with his family by his side. He was born June 28, 1948, in Grafton, North Dakota, the son of Otto and Alvina (Asmus) Truog.

David earned his master’s degree from Indiana University and went on to dedicate many years to education as a teacher and principal at St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Big Rapids. He loved his students throughout the years and took great pride in the relationships he built with them.

On August 1, 1970, David married Susan Carroll at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Together they shared 56 years of marriage, and a life filled with family, faith, education, music, theater, travel, and countless cherished memories.

He was active in the community and was a member of the West Michigan Choral and the local community theater, Stage M. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and watching sports, especially his beloved Minnesota Vikings. He also looked forward to the German Fest at St. Peter’s and treasured vacations with Sue to South Carolina and Florida.

David had a quick wit and a courageous spirit. He was a very kind, honorable, loving, and God-fearing man. He was known as a baby whisperer, but above anything else, David loved being a grandpa. His grandchildren brought him immense joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

David is survived by his wife, Sue; children, Jeremy (Sara) Truog, Nathan (Sacha) Truog, and Rebekah Truog; grandchildren, Trinity, Riley, Maya, Draven, and Alexander; brothers, Steve (Katie) Truog and Brian (Shirley) Truog; sisters, Gloria Marohl, Jean Hausmann, and Brenda Meyers; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Mary Collins, Beth Carroll, Roger (Tammy) Carroll, and Doug (Kathy) Carroll; special friend Kaide Boyer; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters-in-law, Laurie Carroll and Kim Paul; and brothers-in-law, Tom Meyers, Dick Bennigson, and Larry Collins.

David will be deeply missed by his family, friends, students, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral services for David will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 27, 2026, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Big Rapids. The family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Zion Cemetery in Stanwood.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in David’s name may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran School.