Born on October 14, 1943, in Empire, Michigan, to Fred and Reva (Wirt) Taghon, Dave – affectionately known as “Butch” to some – was the third of seven children. He attended Empire School and graduated from Glen Lake Community Schools in 1961.

Following graduation, Dave proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, for four years.

On October 10, 1964, Dave married the love of his life, Diane Novak of Cedar, Michigan, whom he lovingly called his “Passionate Polak”. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and a deep commitment to family, faith and community.

In 1965, after the birth of their first child, Roy, Dave and Diane returned to Empire to lay down roots. Dave joined his parents at the family-owned Empire Standard Oil gas station, eventually taking over the business with Diane when Fred and Reva retired in 1980. Over the years, their four children joined them in the family enterprise, which was remodeled into “Taghon’s Corner” Amoco station and convenience store in 1984. After 22 years of hard work, Dave and Diane retired in 2002.

From an early age, Dave had a passionate interest in Empire’s history. As a founding member of the Empire Heritage Group, he eventually played a pivotal role in building and curating the sprawling Empire Area Museum complex, a labor of love that spanned over 40 years. Capable of instantly recalling the stories and names behind nearly every item on display, he was always the “man to ask”.

Dave’s interest in Empire was not solely focused on preserving its history. He also played a prominent role in shaping the town’s future, serving on the Village Council from 1967-1994, and as Village President, from 1980-1994. His tenure saw the realization of many ambitious projects like the Shalda Park baseball field, and coordinating the preservation and permanent display of the iconic wooden anchor he also helped retrieve from Lake Michigan in 1977, which, in turn, inspired the village’s annual “Anchor Day” celebration, held every July since, for nearly 50 years.

Dave’s life was rich with interests and 1943 ~ 2025

hobbies. He loved golfing, boating, fishing, traveling, snowmobiling (often to the family-friendly “Dirty Old Men’s Club” near the Empire airport), and was an emphatic supporter of Glen Lake Schools’ basketball and music programs. In his later years, he delighted in educating about Empire’s history through self-made video programs and public media presentations. He also cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A man of deep faith, Dave was a lifelong member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, where he served on the church council. He was also an active member of the Empire Lions Club, embodying their mission of service.

Humble; patriotic; driven; big-hearted; handy; humorous; generous; respected; integrity. A handful of words that aptly describe Dave Taghon. But perhaps, above all, beloved.

Dave is survived by his wife and true love of 60 years, Diane; his children, Kathy (Charlie) Prahl, LouAnn Wiebenga, and Fred ( Joshua Stone); grandchildren Jake ( Jill), Christel (Shane), Katia and Kaylee; great-grandchildren Franny and Charlotte; siblings Mike, Sharon (Fred) Main, Patrick (Laurie), Rockie (Val), Jeanine (Greg) Oleszczuk, and Charley (Diane); as well as many cherished brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and treasured friends, near and far.

He is preceded in death by his son, Roy; his parents, Fred and Reva; and his sisterin- law, Mary.

A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Dave will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 11411 S. LaCore Rd., Empire, Michigan 49630. Fr. Mitchell Roman will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Glen Arbor Fire Department, 6401 State St., Glen Arbor, Michigan 49636, Empire Area Museum, P.O. Box 192, Empire, Michigan 49630 or St. Philip Neri Catholic Church of Empire, 11411 S. LaCore Rd. #0257, Empire, Michigan 46930.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Dave’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.