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John Douglas Daniels
September 6, 1943-November 16, 2023
Posted
John loved retirement in Sun City, his family and friends. He was an avid golfer and a great storyteller. John Douglas Daniels, 80, of Sun City, AZ died Thursday, November 16, 2023. He was born in Menominee, Michigan and was raised in the Upper Peninsula in Kingsford, Michigan. Growing up, he was a great athlete and excelled in all sports, including ski jumping, baseball and many others. John attended Ferris State University and graduated in Business Administration. He primarily worked at West Bend and Volvo/White Motor Trucks where he was a manager. John met the love of his life, Diane Koenigbauer in 1965 at the student union while skipping a fraternity meeting. It was love at first sight and a whirlwind romance marrying that same year, in St. Clair Shores at St. Germaine Catholic Church. “Through the Years” was his favorite song by Kenny Rogers and the theme to their almost 58-year marriage, through the years, we love the life we’ve made. They could not wait to start a family and had six children who meant the world to them. Dana Reed, Douglas Daniels, Dawn Daniels (Scott Polcyn), Darci Knight (Matthew Knight), Dennis Daniels, Debra Hinson (Brian Hinson). He was a devoted grandfather to Amber, Teasha, Tyler, Ashley Austin, Luke, Ethan, Morgan, Andrew, Jack, Taylor, Jackson, Emily, Brody and many great grandchildren. He taught his children and grandchildren tennis, golf, skiing and judo from the sidelines. He took his family camping, boating, and on many vacations to national parks and judo tournaments. John enjoyed vacationing in Mexico, loved the pool, concerts, cards, friends, get togethers and golfing. We will miss his stories, jokes and laughter. He cared about others so much that he had to go to daily mass extra early to pray for friends and family. He was a devoted husband and golfer and played right up until the end, shouting his love for Diane as he left for the course. You may send donations in John’s honor to his favorite charity- Kids on the Go a Nonprofit for kids with special needs. 23500 Pare St. Suite #10, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080. Website at Kidsonthegocamp.com A catholic memorial & celebration of life for John was held at Sunland Mortuary Lakeside Chapel. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Daniels Family.
