Daniel J. Grisdale

Unconditional in his love, Daniel J. Grisdale was a man of integrity who gave his all in everything he did with an unwavering and optimistic demeanor. With faith as his guide, he accomplished much in life and loved abundantly. Daniel found happiness in many things, but nothing delighted him as much as spending time with his family and grandchildren, the ones that brought his life immeasurable joy. The world was not a very safe place the year that Daniel was born. World War II showed little signs of abatement as more and more U.S. troops shipped out for the European continent. At the same time, thousands of women stood united and labored to keep domestic industries running full steam. It was into this time of unity and patriotism that Wilfred James Grisdale and his wife, Kathryn Mary (Gross), of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan welcomed the birth of their son, Daniel, on March 4, 1942. Dan, as he was called, was the third of six children in his family: Mary Ann, Terry, Daniel, Charles, Patrick and Sue. His father worked hard in the oil fields in Canada, and died when Dan was just a young boy. His mother later remarried to Robert Utterback, and they had two children together, Robert and Richard. Dan was a busy, active boy growing up, who enjoyed sports and played baseball and football in high school. Aside from his studies and sports, he also found time to work at his stepfathers gas station and for Leo Beard at Beard Oil. After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy in 1960, Dan attended Central Michigan University for a few years and played baseball with the CMU Chippewas. Then, in 1963, he enlisted in the U.S. National Guard and proudly served until 1969. It was during this time that Dan met the love of his life, Janet Meyer, while hanging out with some of his friends at Coldwater Lake Inn. It wasnt long after dating that Dan and Janet knew they were meant for each other, and on October 23, 1965, they were married at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in Shepherd. Dan and Janet happily spent the next 47 years together, raising their two daughters, Sherri and Renee, and sharing many wonderful memories as a family. Dan provided faithfully for his girls working at Combined Insurance Company of America, first as a Sales Representative and later as a National Sales Trainer. Although Dan worked hard to make his career a success, it was apparent that his most important job in life was taking care of his daughters. He was so very proud of his girls, and he gave them unconditional love and support in whatever endeavor they sought in life. He regularly instilled in them that a positive mental attitude will get them far in life. And if that didnt work, Dan always had a corny joke to put a smile on their faces. As a jokester, he brought laughter and smiles to scores of people throughout his life. Family was the most important part of Dans life; however, any day spent on the lake, boating and fishing, was a day well spent. The only thing that made it even better was having his grandchildren with him to share in the fun. Dan adored his grandchildren and was there to support them in their sporting events as Ithaca Yellowjackets. Their #1 fan, he told them he was there cheering them on to victory. Outside of the Yellowjackets, Dan enjoyed attending the Indianapolis 500 and following the Detroit Tigers. Cars were always one of Dans favorite pastimes and he attended the Detroit Auto Show annually. Being a detail oriented guy, his cars were kept immaculately clean, just like his yard was beautifully manicured. Never one to be idle, Dan volunteered at the Isabella County Medical Care Facility, served on the Board of the Lake Isabella Property Owners Association, and was a member and lector of the St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Beal City. After retiring in 1999, Dan and Janet enjoyed doing some traveling, taking an Alaskan Cruise, a trip to Rome and driving to New York to visit their daughter, Renee. They also loved hosting family reunions in their home on Lake Isabella. Dan was one of those special people who appreciated the many things that make life so valuable family, friends and faith. There was no greater joy along his lifes journey than being with his beloved family, though the wonderful friendships he fostered along the way, including his dear friend, John Yost, just added more blessings to his life. Dans life was built on the bedrock of great faith, the inner compass that guided his every day. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Daniel J. Grisdale, 70, of Lake Isabella, MI passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 28, 2013, at home. A Funeral Mass for Dan will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 1, at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Beal City with Father Patrick Jankowiak presiding. Cremation will follow and his ashes will be interred in Ithaca Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Lux Family Funeral Home on Thursday, January 31, from 3-8 p.m. with the Vigil beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Friday one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Church or School. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Dan is survived by his wife, Jan; two daughters, Sherri (Todd) Hessbrook of Ithaca and Renee (Sumner) Anderson of New York, NY; four grandchildren, Jordan and Logan Hessbrook and Stella and Abigail Anderson; six siblings, Mary Ann (Clarence) Tuma of Mt. Pleasant, Terry Grisdale of Lake Isabella, Chuck (Nancy) Grisdale of Brookfield, WI, Sue (Jerry) Massaro of Algonquin, IL, Rob Utterback of Ann Arbor and Rick (Karen) Utterback of Traverse City; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Pat Grisdale. To sign the online guest book or send a condolence to the family, please visit www.LuxFamilyFuneralHome.com.