David R. Bezotte

Houghton

David R. Bezotte, 76, of Houghton, and formerly of Chassell, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Omega House in Houghton surrounded by love and friendship.

He was born on May 1, 1949, in Hancock, MI, a son of the late Russell and Dora (Dostaler) Bezotte. Dave was raised in Chassell and was a graduate of the Chassell High School with the class of 1967. He then attended Michigan Technological University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He then received a Master of Arts degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Michigan in 1984.

David spent his early years in Chassell until moving to Houghton in 1985, where for 3 decades he would rent rooms in his home to Michigan Tech Students. During that time, he began a career working J.R. Van Pelt & Opie Library at Michigan Technological University, retiring in 2011 after 39 years of service to the University as Instruction Coordinator and Reference Librarian. While at MTU, he served as advisor and board member of Sigma Rho Fraternity and Alpha Delta Alpha Sorority and sang in Milt Olsson's Michigan Tech Concert Choir. He also participated in several of the choir's international concert tours to Europe and South America.

Immediately after retiring from Michigan Tech, He served for two years as Chair of the Music Committee for FinnFest USA 2013 which took place in the Copper Country in June 2013.

Mr. Bezotte was a active member of St. Anne's Catholic Church of Chassell and served as the Church's Organist since 1963 a role he held for over 60 years. He also assisted playing the organ for St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Houghton and Holy Family Catholic Church in South Range. David was also active with St. Anne's Parish in Chassell and it's Parish Council, Knights of Columbus 13115, St. Anne Conference of St. Vincent DePaul, Chassell Historical Organization Board, the Copper Country Chorale and Oren Tikkanen's Folk and dance music groups. For many years, he was a fixture at weddings, funerals, and other church and community events, including service as accompanist for the Chassell Centennial Chorus and Chassell's Friends of Fashion.

David's deep pride in his French-Canadian heratige shone through his work with the musical group "Maple Sugar Folk" preforming French-Canadian folk music in the community. He spoke to school and community groups about the French-Canadian settlement and culture in the Upper Peninsula.

He received the Upper Peninsula Folklife Award in 2018, the Chassell Lions Club's Citizen of the Year Award in 2007, and the MTU Employee Excellence Award in 2002.

Preceding him in death were his parents Russell and Dora Bezotte and his brother Richard Bezotte.

Surviving are: His sister-in-law: Jeanne Bezotte

Numerous cousins and special friends including the families of Evan Dixon, Phil Kelm, Mark Oliver, and the Soumis and Bosley families of Chassell. He valued his special bond with the three Dixon brothers Jacob, Anwar and Ryan.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for David will be held at 11am Saturday, August 23, 2025 at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church of Houghton with Fr. Corey Litzner and Fr. Bernard Acquaah-Badu to officiate. Burial will be in the Chassell Cemetery.

Friends may call on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 5 to 8 pm at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Houghton and again on Saturday from 10am until the time of mass at church. The Rosary will be said at 7:30pm at Friday's visitation.

David's life was one of generosity, faith, music and community. His legacy will continue to be felt in the songs he played, the students he guided, and the countless lives he touched.

To view David's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service - Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.