Daniel Haften

Daniel John VanHaften, born 12/11/28 passed away on 11/29/15 at age 86, peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife and children.  Dan worked for Leitelt Iron Works for 55 years studying and becoming a Professional Engineer.  After retirement he worked as a Consulting Engineer through the very weeks before he passed.  As written by the President of Leitelt Iron works at the time: "His contribution as a Certified Professional Engineer has been of great value to many.  His character is beyond reproach, morally straight, thoroughly dependable, honest and upright in every way."   He enjoyed summer trips to Drummond Island with the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, he said our trips there weren't a vacation, they were an adventure! His passion was playing the harmonica for everyone, and playing music with his friends. He loved weekends on the pontoon boat with Arlene and Adam, Wednesday night dinners and Saturday breakfasts with family.  He raised children to laugh and enjoy time together.  He made glass boxes for almost everyone he came across.   Dan is survived by his best friend and wife of 65 years, Arlene VanHaften, his son: Daniel VanHaften, daughters: Denise LaCroix (Don); Dawn Campbell (Joe); Diane Grotewohl; Darlene Brown (Ron); He raised his grandson; Adam Heintzelman (Katrina). His Grandchildren: Patrick VanHaften; Elizabeth Soliday (Eric); April Hight (Al); Mary Cunningham (Chad); Matthew VanHaften; Valerie Castor-Haller(Corey); David Wentworth; Nick LaCroix (Allison); Ben LaCroix (Colleen); Zach LaCroix (Julie); Alexander Grotewohl; Heidi Grotewohl; Andrew Grotewohl; Charlene Smith; Emmylou Smith, and 18 great grandchildren and his siblings Tom VanHaften (Ruth); Dick VanHaften (Rose); Sally Hendricks (Tom). Dan was preceded in death by his daughter Deborah Wentworth; His father and mother Freeman and Irene VanHaften.   Dan was able to play his harmonica for other patients, for nursing care facilities and for staff with the support of the Spectrum Health Music Therapy Department.  In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations sent to them.   A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 6369 Belmont Ave. NE. His family will greet relatives and friends Tuesday from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 PM at the Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE., Belmont and one hour prior to the service at church on Wednesday. Prayers of the Rosary will be recited Tuesday at 7:30 PM at the funeral chapel. To share a photo, memory and sign the family's online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com. In sending a donation you will need to: * State that the donation is specifically for the Music Therapy Program for CANCER patients. (There are two programs...one for children and one for cancer patients.) * State who the donation is in memory of - Daniel John Van Haften * State who you would like notified that a memorial was made: Arlene VanHaften C/O Stegenga Funeral Chapel 1601 Post Dr. NE Belmont, MI 49306 * Send donation to: Spectrum Foundation, Music Therapy Fund, 100 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Daniel John Van Haften please visit our Sympathy Store.