Obituary

Remembering Daniel L.  Smith

Smith, Daniel L. Daniel L. Smith, aged 69, of Caledonia, suddenly went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, December 20, 2013.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Aletha Smith, brother, Robert Smith. Daniel will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 46 years, Lois; children, Abbie and Doug Cutler, David and Heather Smith; grandchildren, Nathan Stauffer and Clinton McMurray, Nicole and Nick Mena, Courtney Stauffer, Justin Cutler, Kendra Stauffer, Zachary Cutler, Luke Smith, and one great grandchild on the way; sister, Anne Parker; sister in law, Donna Smith; brother and sister in law, Sandy and Dar Vander Ark; many nieces, nephews and friends.  After graduating from Ferris State University in pharmacology, he used that degree for 46 years as a local pharmacist and had a leadership role in Pharmacists’ Helping Pharmacists’. He also enjoyed working in his meadow and taking in the beautiful waters of the big lake. Daniel was a founding member of Caledonia Pipes and Drums, and served as Director of  The Bells of St. Paul. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 27 at 11 am at  St. Paul Lutheran Church, 8436 Kraft, Caledonia, 49316 with Pastor Gary Siefert officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday, December 26 from 2-4 and 6-9, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 616 E. Main Street Caledonia.  Interment Holy Corners Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caledonia Pipes and Drums or St. Paul Lutheran Church.     

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Lois and Family, There are no words that can express the deep sadness of the loss of Dan. His spirit, laughter and natural zest for life is a lasting memory for everyone's life that he touched. Such a wonderful man who always gave so much; always from the heart. Claire Wolkow & Family

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

I have very good memories of time spent at the Smith house back in the high school days. Mrs. Smith, Abbie, and Dave you have my condolences, thoughts and prayers. Mike Nickels

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Lois and family, I send my deepest sympathies to the whole family in your loss of Danny. Some great times were spent on the shores of Manistique Lake. Wishing you peace. Merle Randolph Edwards

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Lois, Dan, Dar, Carol Ritz and Carol Jahnke sang at my wedding in 1982. I wanted a choir sound instead of solos. They were a blessing, awesome. God's talented people. Carole (Posthuma) Neve

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Dear Lois and family, There are some people you never forget. Danny is one of those. I have many childhood memories of the Smith family. Thinking of you today and in the difficult days ahead. Mary Randolph

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

So Sorry to hear. What a shock. He will be missed Charlie Johnson

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

So sorry I missed the funeral. I was in the Upper Peninsula with family over the holidays . I will be sending a Memorial in his name. We shared so much as mutual PHP members over the years. Carol Stolberg

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Dear Lois and family, I just heard about Dan going on to be with Jesus. On behalf of myself and Guiding Light Mission I extend our sympathy and many thanks for Dan's interest in and support of the Mission. He was a wise man and one that was easy to get to know. We miss him, Jim Johnson

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Words cannot express my deep sorrow for the family, but at the same time, I know that Dan is at home with his Heavenly Father making wonderful music. I will always remember the fun times we had at bell choir - he had such a natural talent and was a wonderful instructor. He always had a kind word and a way of making you smile. Paula Berg

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

With love and prayers to all of his family and friends - he was a wonderful friend of mine for most of those 69 years. Barbara Perry Johnson

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Lois I am so sorry for your loss, you are in my prayers ! Dan was a great man now heaven has two wonderful men . Deborah Louck

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Lois and all the family, Danny (Yooper friend writing) was one of a kind. He was so full of life and cared about everyone and everything. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Ann Rahilly Nelson

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Dan was truly a remarkable individual who gave so much of himself to the Caledonia community and will be greatly missed. Dan was a good friend of mine and I will miss him terribly. Lois and the entire Smith family, you are our thoughts and prayers, Love, the Tm Zielke family Anonymous

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Aunt Loie, Abbie and David and your families, Uncle Dan has always held a special place in our lives as have all of you. I extend my deepest condolences to all of you and my children and I are praying fervently for you all to find peace during this time. Praise God from Whom ALL Blessings Flow! We love you all so very much and are thankful God placed Uncle Dan and all of you in our lives. God Bless You. Nicole, Holden & Graetel

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Thoughts and prayers to your family. I had the previlage of working with him at family fare. He was a great guy and will be missed. Kelli De Vries

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Lois As you know, I've always considered Danny as one of my very best friends. We pulled some great pranks together when we were younger. All my love, Penny Penny Barrett

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Lois and the entire Smith family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. After many years of being asked if I knew Dan I was happy I finally got the opportunity to meet him and got to spend time with him in the band. He will be a big miss. Dorothy Wilson

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Our sincere condolences to Lois and family. Danny was a unique and special friend to our family and we will always remember his kindly ways and steadfast friendship that he was so generous to share with us over the years. Danny's human qualities were a model for all of us to look up to. Our love to all. Joe, Mary and Danny Murphy

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

I remember Danny from high school in Newberry, Michigan. He was a very nice young man then and it looks like a very nice and successful man now. If you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you are a very blessed man too. Rev. Gary Bitely

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

we will miss you so much uncle danny are prayers are with your family donna smith

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Lois, Dave, and Abby, So sorry for your loss! I will always remember Dan from his bag piping leading the marching band into the football stadium when I was directing band at the high school! He loved leading the team in to Scotland the Brave. He was a special part of caledonia and he will be fondly remembered for his support and participation in the music program. I imagine amazing grace being sung by an angel choir and accompanied by the newest bagpiper in Heaven. Nancy (tenelshof) Crumback

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Dear Lois and family, It was with profound sadness I heard our Danny was no longer with us. He was a wonderful friend growing up in Newberry and throughout his life. He had a quick wit, a great smile and kind word for everyone. He shall always be remembered and greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Missy Fuller Thompson

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Dear Nicole, Nick, Abby and family. Dan and my prayers are with you and your whole family. We are very sorry for your loss. Judy and Dan Lautenschleger

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

With great shock and sadness I express my condolences to Dan's Family. Having the luxury to walk in his garden and gaze at his "egg dish" flowers I know his grace and talents will carry to the other side. Shirlyn Bravata, Grand Rapids & District Pipe Band

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Please accept my condolences on Dan's passing. I have known Dan for a long time, since I am a pharmacist too. We worked together when Dan was at Medical Arts along with a few time for the Ostomy Society. I talked with Dan many times while he was at Family Fare in Hudsonville. I saw how well he treated is patients. He will be missed as a person and a pharmacist. Phil Sweedyk

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

It is with deep sadness that we send our thoughts and prayers your way. We remember piping with Dan during half time at the Caledonia High School. Fred and Pat Merritt

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Dear Lois and Family. So surprised and sorry to read this. May the Lord bless and keep you through this trying time. Your family has always been special to me. Anonymous

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Abby & Family, Thinking of you this week. Dan "Grampa" always made me chuckle when he would answer the phone at the pharmacy. Darin Vickers, Salvation Army ARC

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Lois and Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you move through this most difficult loss. Dan was such a positive influence on so many, and our world will be a bit less joyful without him. Dean & Vicki Hermann

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Lois and family, I am so saddened and shocked that Dan is gone. I had only known Dan for two short years, but I felt I had known him a lifetime. He was such a gifted musician and a wonderful teacher. It is because of Dan that I can play the bagpipes. It is because of Dan that I have been introduced to another aspect of life to enjoy for the rest of my life. I will miss Dan very much and pray that God's grace and peace will descend upon you and your family in a very special way at this time. Kurt Hoffman

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Dear Lois and family. I am so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. Please except our deepest sympathy and prayers. Chris and Dave Risner Chris Risner

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March 26, 2015 10:34am

Lois and family, Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Dan was the reason I was introduced into pharmacy from letting me shadow him as a senior in high school to hiring me for my first pharmacy job as a technician. He guided and mentored me for 6 years through pre-pharmacy and pharmacy school. I am so thankful for the many hours we were able to spend in the pharmacy and the humor he brought to the job. I will always remember Dan, a great pharmacist and more so a great Christian man. Dan and Paige Boldt

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