Daniel Edward Guzek's Obituary
Dan the “Goose” Guzek entered eternal rest in the arms of God on February 4, 2025, peacefully after fighting a progressively debilitating disease for 7 years. He was born and raised in Ontonagon, Michigan by parents John and Mary Guzek. He attended Northern Michigan University where he received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education. After moving to Spring Lake, Michigan he dedicated his life to music and community service: first as a middle school band director, Lions, and TPA member; then as a school instrument sales representative for Christian/Meyer Music and volunteer for the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Carnival Committee. He was a “Life Member Award” recipient of the Fruitport Lions, organized the Old-Fashioned Days Kiddie Parade, Big Wheel Race, and initiated the annual High School students’ Jazz Festival now known as “Dan ‘The Goose’ Jazz Fest”. He also hosted events such as “Goose’s International Kraut Party” at The Midwest Clinic and cooked for a variety of organizations’ events. He built an award-winning scale Victorian Dollhouse for his daughter and was well known as the “All-American Clown” of Coast Guard Festival Parade fame. He is survived by Marlene Guzek, children Quentin (Dianne) Guzek, Tiffany Guzek, and Grandchildren Leo, Michelle, Evan, and brother John Owen (Margaret) Guzek and family. Danny loved fiercely and was well loved by all who called him a friend. We were honored to have him in our lives. Life is Changed Not Ended - The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for the repose of the soul of the Goose on July 19, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Spring Lake, MI. Please join the family in a celebration of life at Odd Side Ales, 41 Washington Ave, STE 160 Grand Haven, MI on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 1-4pm for beverages, on the Goose. If you play an instrument laying around, bring it with you for a jam session farewell at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or a Veterans’ cause of your choice. The “Goose” is loose again, with his enduring smile, and on his final flight. Arrangements through The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI., 49456. Please consider signing the family’s online guestbook at sytsemafh.com
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