Byron Center, Michigan, August 18, 2025 With heavy hearts, we announce that DLN founder, David Lee Neu, age 91, of Byron Center, Michigan, passed away on August 14, 2025.
Dave was preceded in death by his wife Johanne and his son Paul. He is survived by his daughters Dianne and Karen, and their families.
Dave was born in Aurora, Illinois where he graduated from East Aurora High School in 1951. After meeting Johanne on a blind date in 1953, Johanne and David married in 1954 and settled down in Aurora to begin their family.
A Career Built in the Material Handling Industry
Dave launched his career in the distribution handling industry at Stephens-Adamson in Aurora. In 1962, Dave and Johanne and their two daughters moved to Genoa, Italy for a year-long work assignment for Dave. It was the the adventure of a lifetime for the family, and was one of Dave’s fondest memories.
In 1966, the family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan where Dave continued his career at Rapistan (now Dematic). Later that year, his son Paul was born.
Building Businesses, Creating Legacies
In 1981, Dave and three of his engineering colleagues at Rapistan founded Distribution Planning, Inc. (DPI). In the early years of DPI, the company represented a major conveyer manufacturing firm, engineering and selling the manufacturer’s material handling systems to grocery distribution companies. The company grew rapidly and transitioned from its original narrow focus to one of systems integration, with the ability to blend engineering, design, and technology for material handling systems.
In 2002, Dave branched out again to start another materials handling system integration business called D.L. Neu & Associates, now known as DLN Integrated Systems, Inc.
The business successfully grew tenfold over the years, employing team members across the country and completing hundreds of distribution optimization projects across North America.
Son Paul joined Dave in the new business for several years before he died from complications from epilepsy (SUDEP) in 2005.
A Lifetime of Compassion and Community
Dave and Johanne, along with family and friends, founded the annual Paul Neu Memorial Golf Classic benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan.
Over the last 20 years, this event has raised close to one million dollars for the Foundation’s work in combatting epilepsy.
Dave was also honored to served as co-chair of the 1988 Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts, following in Johanne’s footsteps as the 1981 co-chair.
A Well-Earned Season of Travel and Joy
Dave gradually retired from the business, handing the reins over to his dear friend and co-founder, current DLN President, Phil Schaafsma.
Dave and Johanne greatly enjoyed traveling, which included memorable trips to New Zealand, Hawaii and around the U.S. They loved hosting friend and family get-togethers at their cottage on Big Whitefish Lake.
“I consider it an honor to have worked with Dave for so many years. His industry knowledge, ability to connect with clients, and steady leadership are his legacies,” says Phil Schaafsma.
The family will hold a celebration of Dave’s extraordinary life later this fall.
To send a message of sympathy to the family, to sign Dave’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit www.cookcaresbyron.com.
About DLN Integrated Systems, Inc.
DLN Integrated Systems is a trusted material handling systems integration partner enhancing competitive edge with advanced distribution solutions for a wide range of industries. Founded in 2002, we design, engineer, implement and support distribution and material handling systems. Our growing team includes mechanical, controls, software and robotics engineers, as well as project managers, support technicians and a comprehensive supply chain consulting practice.
