John David Stutzman, age 79, of rural Morenci, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at his home. He was born January 4, 1946, in Wauseon, Ohio, the son of the late John and Irene (Fike) Stutzman. After his father’s passing in 1953, his mother married Jack Raymond, who was a devoted step-father and later a business partner.
A lifelong resident of Morenci, David graduated from Morenci High School with the Class of 1964, before obtaining an Associates Degree in Agriculture from Michigan State University. Soon after, on June 24, 1967, Dave married the love of his life, Morenci native Nancy Ann Brewer at the First Baptist Church in Morenci. Together, they raised three children and built a foundation of loyalty and love that has been celebrated for nearly 58 years.
Farming was in Dave’s blood, and he proudly and honorably carried on the Raymond Family legacy in being the third generation owner of Raymond & Stutzman Farms, now in its fifth generation of family ownership. While currently attending the Morenci United Methodist Church, Dave had deep roots in the Morenci First Congregational Church, where he was a faithful and involved member in volunteering as well as serving on various leadership roles. He was civically involved in his community, holding seats on the Morenci Area School Board, Bank of Lenawee Board of Directors and Lenawee County 4-H, and he was also a longtime member of the Michigan Cattlemen’s Association.
David loved fishing, and enjoyed annual fishing trips with family and friends in Canada. In later years, he and Nancy were blessed with spending winters in Anna Marie Island, FL. An MSU graduate, David was an avid supporter of the University and its sports teams. David was a loyal, dedicated, and loving family man, whose love for family was above all else. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, and never missed an opportunity to proudly attend them showing cattle or participate in an athletic event. His sarcastic humor and rooted convictions will forever be missed.
Surviving is his wife Nancy; three children, Timothy Stutzman (fiancée Christine Vance) of Morenci, Julie (Mark) Briese and Peggy (Shawn) Simms, both of Canton, MI; four sisters, Linda (Bill) Baker of SC, Judy (Lynn) Mitchell of TN, Jacquie Prielipp of LA, and Kathy (Lee) Merkle-Raymond of CA; nine grandchildren, David (Emily) Stutzman, Daniel (Macy) Stutzman, Nick (Jessie) Stutzman, Matthew Briese, Nicole Briese, Nate Simms, Avery Simms, Zack Kerr and Cheyenne Kerr; ten great-grandchildren, Owen, Ashton, Luke, Liam, Isabella, Xavier, Joniyah, Kingston, William and Naudia; and his beloved Labrador companion, Miggy. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Janet (Doug) Keller.
In accordance with David’s final wishes, cremation will take place. A memorial graveside service will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Morenci on Friday, June 20, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The family invites everyone out to the farm immediately following, where a meal and fellowship will be enjoyed.
Memorial contributions to best honor David’s life are suggested to benefit Lenawee County 4-H. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.