Daniel D. Wendels

1960 ~ 2024

Daniel Deal Wendels (64) gave up his change to tell any more dad jokes on Friday, April 26. So from the family group chat he leaves you with this: I just heard the Grim Reaper got fired from his job at the shoe factory... for stealing soles.

Dan spent his last day in the sun doing the things he loved before leaving his best friend and wife of 36 years, Joann, and daughters Amber (Rick) Harker, Amanda (Donny) Mealing, Rachel (Ben Glazier) Wendels, and Kelly (Adam Fancher) Wendels and grandchildren Ava, Rose, and Ash. While Dan was proceeded in death by his parents John “Jack” and Madelyn Wendels and sister-in-law Kim, he is survived by his many siblings: Judy (Chuck) Ohlfs, Jim (Dena Smith) Wendels, Donna (Kevin) Cierpial, David (Anna) Wendels, Don (Chris Williams), John Wendels, and Mike (Laura) Wendels and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The greatest thing Dan ever taught his girls was to be kind, a trait that could be found in every one of Dan’s actions. That and a deep, though grudging, appreciation for dad jokes. Without fail, Dan always carried with him a bright smile and deep love for life, always looking to bring joy and laughter to everyone he came across. He was an exceptionally giving person, always ready to give the last of what he had to those who needed it most.

Dan’s extreme zest for life made him a magnet for everyone around him, making easy friends everywhere he went. He loved all types of adventures with his girls, from camping all over Michigan to twotracking in the Jeep, and anything that his girls could dream up. A never-failing morning person (we’re talking whistling and joy here, people), his passion for life carried over to his love of diesel mechanics where he spent his working career. Dan took every chance he could to downhill ski in the winter and ride his dirt bike in the summer, and played on at least one softball team a summer for 40 years.

The impact of Dan’s death with undoubtedly be felt for years to come by those he loves and the Northern Michigan community where he spent his entire life. To celebrate Dan’s life, a BBQ will be held in his honor on Saturday, May 4 at 2:00 at 19470 Fowler Road, Lake Ann, MI. In lieu of flowers, Dan’s girls ask that you make donations to the Women’s Resource Center.