Daniel Lyle Van Etten

     Daniel Lyle Van Etten, age 69, of Fowler, went to meet the Lord on November 2, 2023, surrounded by his family at home.

     Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns with Pastor John Gosslin officiating. Burial will follow at Payne Cemetery, Perrinton, MI. Visitation will be 4-8 P.M. on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the funeral home.

     Daniel was born August 10, 1954 to Sam and Mary Ellen (Stambersky) Van Etten and grew up in Eureka, Michigan. He married Elaine Underwood Kupiec on November 6, 1976 in Maple Rapids, MI. He became father to Cindy, Mollie and Joel. Together they welcomed two sons: Abraham and Jesse.

     Dan owned and operated Van Etten Masonry for many decades and taught all three of his sons the family trade. All three boys worked alongside Dan for many years, along with nephew Phillip. They had many stories to tell and many years of laughter to go along with the hard work. When Dan retired, Jesse and Abe took over the family business. In retirement, Dan and Elaine enjoyed many years vacationing in Montana on their property together.

     Dan enjoyed buying and restoring old trucks. He was an avid sportsman, who loved the great outdoors. He spent many years in Montana and Wyoming. All three sons share his love of the outdoors and were blessed with many hunting and fishing trips together along with Dan's brother Tom.

     Dan is survived by his loving wife Elaine of 47 years, five children: Cindy (Andy) Stephens, Mollie (Pete) Leahy, Joel (Kim) Kupiec, Abraham Van Etten, and Jesse (Samantha) Van Etten; grandchildren: Jacob Stephens, Luke (Emily) Stephens, Josh Stephens, Elijah (Emily) Stephens, Zak (Leah) Leahy, Noah (Madison) Leahy, Nathaniel Leahy, Lainey (Cody) Kupiec, Clint (Sydney) Kupiec, Cole Van Etten, Ellie Van Etten, Bronson Van Etten, Hudson Van Etten, and Annabelle Van Etten; and great grandson Drew Stephens. He is also survived by sisters: Joy (John) Jelinek, Jo (Jim) Wheeler and Jane Marek; and sister-in-law Sandy Van Etten. Dan was blessed with a large extended family and many close friends. Dan was preceeded in death by his parents, brother Tom, and in-laws Oak and Evelyn Underwood.

     Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.