Daniel Ross McCallum, age 40, of Goodyear, AZ, formerly of Wyoming, MI, passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022. He will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Ernest Sr. and Carla McCallum; siblings, Ernest McCallum Jr., Elizabeth McCallum; nieces and nephews, Xavier, Zoe, Knox, and Nash McCallum, Felicia, Christopher, Reina, and Alejandra McCallum; great-niece, Ilah; girlfriend, Erjuin Nonol Molina and her son; many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. Daniel graduated from Godwin Heights and Grand Valley State University and was a fifth-grade teacher in Arizona. He enjoyed being a teacher at Desert Spirit Elementary School in Glendale, AZ, and having a positive impact on the lives of his students. Daniel enjoyed playing the drums, guitar, beach volleyball, and Michigan State athletics. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Pastor Dennis Gilbert officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday from 9-11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Leave Your Tribute Message
September 08, 2022 6:11pm
Oh my dear friend. This was the most heartbreaking thing to hear. You truly were an amazing man. You always followed me down the halls and I can still hear your voice...jenny...why don't you love me jenny....I hated it. My heart breaks for your family and all the peoples lives I know you touched.
- Jennifer
January 17, 2022 10:44pm
We will miss you Dan!! You left a huge imprint in the lives of all of the people you knew. Although, I haven't seen you in years.. I will always remember what a wonderful person you were. Rest in peace my friend. 🙏 ❤
- Carrie Wagner
January 17, 2022 10:53am
I got to know Dan through my son who had a long lasting friendship with him. I saw him at the bonfires that were held at our farmhouse for the Rez Life youth and other events over the years. His kindness and friendliness to me made a strong impression and he continued to greet me and converse with me with the same genuine friendliness throughout the years. I was able to keep up with the adventures that this group of friends had through the stories I would hear from my son. He was like an extension of our family to me. No one will ever take Dan's place in our lives but he will live forever in our hearts.
- Christine Hansen
January 17, 2022 12:23am
I worked with Daniel for 5 years at Desert Spirit. We were teammates 5 years ago. I so enjoyed working with him. We had many wonderful discussions over the years. He was a great guy and will be missed.
- Stephanie Jakola
January 15, 2022 9:18pm
Daniel was a sweet guy, great friend, and a wonderful teacher. My sincere condolences to his family.
- Jeff
January 15, 2022 9:18pm
Daniel was a sweet guy, great friend, and a wonderful teacher. My sincere condolences to his family.
- Jeff
January 15, 2022 8:23pm
Dan was an amazing person, and a close friend. I knew Dan for about 15 years. From working together, to Impact, to living near each other in the Phoenix area, and him visiting when we moved back to Grand Rapids. He will be sorely missed. I have many years of great memories with him. Our loss is Heaven's gain, and him being in the arms of Jesus is comforting.
To the McCallum family: You raised an incredible guy, and he touched so many lives. You are in our prayers during this difficult time.
God bless
- Aaron Hays
- Aaron Hays
January 15, 2022 6:23pm
Dan was such a welcoming person to anyone he knew. Met him at our church young adult group 13 years ago. He brought the life to the party always and also so much joy. He had a sensitive heart who cared for many. His family raised him well and his love for the Lord was evident. He will be missed.
- Rachel VanOosterhout
January 15, 2022 2:05pm
I had the joy of working with Daniel at Desert Spirit. We started our teaching careers there together with classrooms across the hall from each other. It was always a welcome distraction for Daniel to walk into my classroom to ask a question, or just see what the kids were working on that day! I truly enjoyed working with him, and growing in our educational journey together. He will be greatly missed by many.
- Jenae Clist
January 15, 2022 1:01pm
Sending love, strength and comfort to all of Daniel's friends and family. I've had the pleasure to get to know him this year at Desert Spirit and he will be sorely missed by our whole community.
Jo Strickler
- Jo Strickler
January 15, 2022 11:15am
Rest easy Daniel. You will be i
n our hearts forever. You will be missed by many. Daniel was a great teacher, colleague & friend. Praying for his friends & family during this most difficult time.
Kimberly O'Neill
- Kimberly O'Neill
January 15, 2022 11:15am
Daniel will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, students and the entire Desert Spirit community where he dedicated his teaching career. May he Rest In Peace and his family and loved ones find peace and comfort.
- Santina Carrillo
January 15, 2022 10:24am
Sending heartfelt condolences to all of Daniel McCallum’s family and friends. He will be missed by everyone at Desert Spirit. Rest In Peace 🙏🏼
- Lily Zapata
January 15, 2022 10:19am
Condolences to all of Dan’s family and friends. I worked with him for the last four years at Desert Spirit, and he was always smiling. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
- Sarah Klught
January 15, 2022 7:07am
Heartfelt condolences to all of Daniel's family. I worked with Daniel at Desert Spirit here in Arizona. He was great with the kids both in academics and in having fun. So sorry for your loss.
- Lanette Phillips
January 14, 2022 9:44pm
Daniel was a great guy who I met at Desert Spirit. Always a smile on his face. Always good intentions.
- Gerry Petersen-Incorvaia
January 14, 2022 9:30pm
All my love and prayers to Daniel’s family and friends.
Daniel you will be greatly missed at Desert Spirt. Your passion for teaching and building relationships with your students will never be forgotten. We all miss you and your sense of humor very much. You have left a lasting imprint on our hearts and the hearts of all the students. Rest In Peace 💕🙏
- Cindi DeRichie
January 14, 2022 8:53pm
Ernie: Sending our love and prayers to you and your family. Hugs Rosemarie and Terry Sayen
- Terry and Rosemarie Sayen
January 14, 2022 8:52pm
I had the pleasure of supervising Daniel for several years at DS. He was a hard working and passionate educator who built lasting relationships with the kids he taught. He loved to make learning fun for his kids and he was always searching for new ways to teach them. He was a great team player and a wonderful person. Rest In Peace Daniel. You will be greatly missed by all that knew you.
- Scott winters
January 14, 2022 8:45pm
I worked with Daniel for the past 5.5 years. We taught 5th grade together for 2 years. The bonds he built with his students was amazing. He will be missed by all of the students who he taught and the staff that worked with him. Rest Easy Mr. McCallum.
- Theresa Womack
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