David W. Barthelmes

David W. Barthelmes, 78, of Haslett, Mich. (formerly of Clarkston, Mich.), passed away peacefully April 16, 2026, following complications from Parkinson's disease.

David was born and raised in Erie, Pa. The oldest of five children, David attended Cathedral Prep in Erie before becoming the Barthelmes family's first-ever college graduate. He received a bachelor's degree with high honors in accounting from Erie's Gannon University in 1970 and was quickly named to a distinguished national Who's Who list of exceptional college graduates to watch.

After briefly serving with distinction in the U.S. Army, David moved to Michigan, where he obtained an MBA in finance from the University of Detroit Mercy and embarked on a prolific accounting and finance career. He held several high-profile executive leadership positions in a career spanning more than four decades. His most notable roles included Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Kmart Canada, and Vice President of Finance for Kelly Services. His last and most cherished role was Vice Chancellor of Administration and Chief Budget Officer for the University of Michigan – Flint.

After retiring in 2012, David and his devoted wife of nearly 52 years, Flora Sue, traveled often, ranking Europe and Hawaii among their favorite destinations. Together, David and Flora deeply enjoyed their roles as grandfather and grandmother to their three beloved grandchildren.

David's life was firmly grounded in the Catholic faith. He steadfastly lived and followed the Church's teaching, leaning on the Sacraments for guidance, comfort, clarity, forgiveness and peace and instilling those values in his children and grandchildren.

David is preceded in death by his parents, William and Doris (MacKrell) Barthelmes and brothers Dennis and Donald Barthelmes. He is survived by his sisters, Dale (Tom) Michalski of Erie, Pa. and Diane King of Philadelphia, Pa.; his devoted wife, Flora Sue of Haslett, Mich.; loving sons Brian (Heather) Barthelmes of Okemos, Mich and Alan (Patty) Barthelmes of South Lyon, Mich.; and three grandchildren, Kaylee, Nora and Parker.

The family will welcome visitors at the Lewis E. Wint and Son Funeral Home, 5929 S. Main St. in Clarkston, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 20 with a scripture service at 5:00 p.m.  A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Daniel Catholic Church, 7010 Valley Park Dr. in Clarkston, at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Inurnment with Military Honors on Thursday, April 23rd at 1:00 p.m. at All Saints Cemetery, 4401 Nelsey Road in Waterford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the David and Flora Barthelmes Endowed Scholarship for Business Students at Gannon University, University Advancement, 109 University Square, Erie, PA 16501-9987.

Please leave a memory or condolence on the online guestbook below.