Obituary of David Michael Resnik

David Michael Resnik, 59, of Poplar Bluff passed to eternity Wednesday, May 24, 2016 at his residence, surrounded by his wife and family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Resnik was born March 10, 1957 in Poplar Bluff to Sylvester B. and Clara E. Resnik. They preceded him in death. He graduated in 1975 from Poplar Bluff High School and from Southeast Missouri State University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in earth sciences and geology. David was a talented and skillful craftsman who won awards for his woodworking projects in high school and college. He began renovating homes while still in college and continued with construction and remodeling of homes in Missouri, Colorado and Tahoe. He worked as a project manager based out of Amsterdam and throughout Europe for CityReach International, then later formed his own construction company, Resnik Construction. He trained, mentored, guided and helped many young men who worked with and for him through the years. He enjoyed the challenge of remodeling projects, solving construction emergencies for his clients and making them happy with their homes. When he said “If you like it, I love it”, always delivered with half a grin, he meant it. As a teenager, he learned welding, mechanics and shop skills at Resnik Ford Tractor Sales. One of his first projects was conversion of a Volkswagon Beetle into a dune buggy, completed before he could legally drive. He enjoyed motorcycle riding, skiing, travel and collecting antiques, especially those with historical significance, and most of all, he enjoyed the adventure of life itself. He had a tender heart for dogs, especially stray ones, and for helping older people, especially those with good stories to tell. On Christmas Day 2015 he married Donna Carpenter in a surprise ceremony at his sister Beth’s home that he single handedly orchestrated. He is survived by his wife, Donna, his sister, Elizabeth Blaich Summers and his brother, Daniel Resnik (Brenda), all of Poplar Bluff. Other survivors include Donna’s children, Krista Sells (Steve) of Poplar Bluff, Kyla Smith (Randy) and Ryan Spakes (Michelle) of Helena, Arkansas, and grandchildren Courtnee Jordan (Jason), Cory Jackson (Taylor), Allison Sells and Riley Sells of Poplar Bluff, and Justin Spakes (Morgan), Nathan Spakes, Dawson Spakes, Anthony Smith and Kasey Smith all of Helena, Arkansas, and great grandchildren, Roman Jordan, Andie Grace Jordan, Natalee Spakes, and Huxley Jackson; seven nieces and nephews: Dr. Eric Blaich (Amy), Dr. Travis Blaich (Lauren), Clinton Summers, Jr. (Cabrina), Bob Summers (Emily), Challis Summers Holland (Tim), Tricia Overbey, Heather Barker (Andrew), and twelve great nephews and nieces: Jace Blaich, Stavia Blaich, Clinton D. Summers III, Davis Summers, Nathan Seidl, Gabe Seidl, Law Summers, Tucker Summers, Wade King, Blake King, Cooper Overbey and Claire Overbey. He was beloved by all. A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 30, 2016 at the Westside Church of God in Poplar Bluff, with his grandson in law, Pastor Jason Jordan officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either UCAN of Poplar Bluff or Hearts for Rescue: http://heartsforrescue.wix.com/hearts4rescue.