Daniel J. Wilkinson's Obituary
Daniel J. Wilkinson, age 78, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on August 13, 1946, to Nathan and Barbara (Rosell) Wilkinson in Grand Haven, MI. He was a life-long resident of the Tri-Cities area. He was a proud graduate of Grand Haven High School Class of 1964. He continued his education at the University of Michigan where he received a bachelor’s degree in engineering, making him a boastful Wolverine supporter for life. Furthering his natural talent for math, numbers and analytical thinking, Dan added to his achievements by earning a professional engineering certification. On September 15, 1973, he married his caring wife, Patti Degner in Muskegon, MI. For the next 51 years, they built and shared a life that fostered an environment for their family to love, learn, grow and be successful.
Dan began his career working in the automotive industry; a fitting choice given his love for cars and engines. He devoted more than 40 years of professional service to Sealed Power. Although the company changed owners and names throughout his career, he remained steadfastly loyal to his career, rising through the ranks. He could be found on the shop and factory floor, in the office, and was promoted to Director of European Operations which transferred him to Germany (family in tow). Dan prided himself on his extremely high work ethic, being challenged and exceeding goals.
He was a proud U of M Alumni Lifetime Member and a guzzling member of the Old Boys Mug Club. Dan’s passion for fishing and cars were unmatched. He would get up before the sun rose, head out on his boat to Lake Michigan and return once he caught his fish limit. If he wasn’t on his boat, he was in his garage building and fixing cars or just tinkering on anything he could find – if it had an engine and it could go fast, Dan was interested.
Dan was dependable, generous and loyal. His friends knew him as “Dan Decent” and to his family, he was known as “Uncle Dan”. From annual fireworks displays, building a Christmas star that could be seen for miles, to showcasing a winter snow village that encompassed an entire room in the house, Dan took great joy in creating and doing things that caused shock and awe. He will be greatly missed. Dan is survived by his loving wife, Patti Wilkinson; two daughters, Cara Wilkinson and Anna (Tim) Harms; two grandchildren, Sophie and Lucas; three sisters, Connie (Lee) Poulin, Ruth (Kelvin) Deters and Shirley (Glen) Sampson; and much-loved extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; and nephew, Jacob Sampson. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Spring Lake Presbyterian Church, 760 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456 with a visitation one-hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dan’s name can be made to the Noah Project of Muskegon or the Great Lakes Leadership Academy Program Endowment Fund through Michigan State University. Arrangements have been entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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