David L. Spalding, M.D.

David L. Spalding, M.D., 80, of Mishawaka, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, surrounded with love by his adoring wife of 58 years, his five children and their spouses, his grandchildren, his brother, and his brother-in-law.

David was born January 22, 1938, in Mishawaka, a son of the late Wendell Spalding, M.D., and Mary (Shively) Spalding. He was a 1956 graduate of Mishawaka High School. He earned his M.D. from Indiana University in 1963, his M.P.A. from Indiana University South Bend in 2000, and his B.S. from Indiana University South Bend in 2001.

Dr. David Spalding joined his father, Wendell Spalding, M.D., in his family medical practice in 1966 and worked with him until his dad’s retirement in 1973. David absolutely loved practicing medicine and in his 34 years of practice, he tended to the health needs of thousands of patients with compassionate care and remarkable bedside manner. He continued in family practice until 2000. He then served as Vice President for Medical Affairs at St. Joseph Hospital until 2003.

David served in the United States Public Health Service from 1964-1966 in Washington, D.C. Through the 1980’s, he served as a preceptor for St. Mary’s College School of Nursing, St. Joseph Medical Center Family Practice Program, and the Ivy Tech Physician Assistant Program. He was on the active staff of St. Joseph Hospital Mishawaka from 1966 until his retirement and was a tireless champion for quality healthcare at the hospital. He served as Chief of Staff from 1974-1975 and 1985-1987. David was honored by Indiana Academy of Family Physicians as “1988 Family Physician of the Year.”

David loved Mishawaka and supported his community in a variety of ways. His many volunteer activities include serving as a physician for the Children’s Dispensary, as football team physician for both Mishawaka and Marian High Schools, and fundraising for numerous organizations. Together, David and Rosemary participated as a lead couple of marriage preparation for engaged couples and warmly welcomed several foreign exchange students into their home. David was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church and St. Pius X Catholic Church and had a strong faith, outwardly grateful for his many blessings. His prayers always concluded with the sentiment, “My cup runneth over.”

David married Rosemary Zirille, his high school sweetheart, on June 6, 1959, and she survives.  A devoted husband, David’s greatest joy was sharing the adventure of life with his beautiful bride, for whom he had an overwhelming love. Also surviving are five children, Andy (Jan) Spalding, Mike (Muff) Spalding, Katy (George) Cressy, John (Georgia) Spalding and MaryJo (Brad) Meier; 19 grandchildren, George (Mariah) Cressy III, Ana Spalding, Maggie Cressy, David Spalding II, Tony Spalding, Gina Spalding, Josie Cressy, Bill Spalding, Annie Spalding, Frankie Spalding, Sam Cressy, John Spalding, Jack Spalding, Scout Spalding, Evie Cressy, Charlie Meier, Joey Meier, Al Spalding and Lilly Meier; David’s brother, John Spalding; brother-in-law, Frank Zirille and family, and many, many wonderful friends.

David enjoyed gardening immensely and for years maintained a vegetable garden on his garage roof and an amazing dahlia and perennial garden in his yard.  He was an exceptional woodworker, and among his many projects were five beautiful grandfather clocks, one built for each of his children. Friends and family celebrated events of all kinds with his homemade wine. He loved travelling and taking Rosemary for rides in one of the many sports cars he owned over the years. David was an avid Chicago Cubs and IU basketball fan. He was a loyal spectator of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and was the co-founder of Camp Spalding for Grandchildren. Above all, David was a family man and was happiest in his roles as husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.

Our love for you is deep and wide, David, Dad, Grandpa. We are comforted knowing you are resting in the presence of the Lord and that you are now completely “okay.”

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am Tuesday, February 20, in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, with Rev. Jacob Meyer, Monsignor William Schooler, and Reverend Charlie Conley officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger.

Visitation is from 3 – 7 pm Monday in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, where a vigil service will be held at 7 pm. Visitation is also from 9:30 - 10:30 am Tuesday in church.

Memorial contributions may be made in David’s name to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, St. Monica Church or the Mishawaka Education Foundation.