Dan passed away Friday, November 13, 2020 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.
He was born December 12, 1951 the son of James and Shirley (Nichols) VanLent. Dan was a graduate of Plainwell High School and lifelong resident of the area. He served his country in the U.S. Army. Dan had worked as a police officer for the City of Plainwell and then for Consumers Energy in Kalamazoo until his retirement in 2017. He also worked at Harold Ziegler in Plainwell and security at the Allegan County Fair.
Dan was the ultimate Disney fan and visited Disney World over 40 times. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and was a lifetime member of the Gilmore Car Museum.
Surviving are his sons, Nick (Michelle) VanLent of Kalamazoo, Bryan VanLent of Lawrence and Andy (Wren) VanLent of Mattawan; 6 grandchildren, Brianna, Addison, Bryce, Luke, Saralyn and Owen; mother, Shirley of Kalamazoo and brother, Jim (Terry) VanLent of Plainwell.
He was preceded in death by his father James in 2014.
Friends may visit with Dan’s family from 5-7 P.M., Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. In accordance with covid -19 guidelines a limit of 50 people at a time will be followed along with masks and social distancing.
A private family funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
View the service at 11:00 A.M. by clicking this link https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1102204
Cremation will follow.
Contributions in memory of Dan may be made to Christian Neighbors.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Kim Dorothy Blagg
I had quite a few spirited exchanges with Dan on social media and found him to be a true patriot and a man who wasn’t afraid to speak up. Those are admirable qualities. My sincerest condolences to the VanLent family.
Judith STRUBLE
Many fond memories coming in early at Consumers and laughing at the craziness. Working storms late into the night. The monkey who visited the radio room resulting in mass hysteria. Rest in piece
Cindi Keith Hammond
So sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. He was a good friend in high school and turned out to be a great man. He will surely be missed by all. Will keep your family in our prayers.
Pam jarman
Andy I am so very sorry for your loss prayers are with you and your family ..
Pam Jarman, Jackson
Colby and Josh Knobloch
Marlene, Nick, Michelle, Bryan and Andy, We are so sorry for your loss. Dan was great man who always could make us smile every time we saw him! We are thinking of you all! Sending hugs!
Todd Allen
Danny was an awesome guy always stopped by the Draft Horse barn to see us in Allegan during the fair although we know the rest of the older Clan as we all grew up at Plainwell Baptist. He will be greatly missed
John Wilson
I worked with Dan as a Police Officer and security at both the Allegan County Fair and Bittersweet Ski Area. He always maintained an admirable level of professionalism but still managed to keep his sense of humor intact, which made working with him fun. He will be missed!
Steve & Becky Swope
We’re so sorry to hear about Dan’s passing. Appreciated his good sense of humor and his friendliness. Now he’s face to face with his Savior. We look forward to seeing him again.
“Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this?””
John 11:25-26
Donna Colegrove
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Paul & Jen Schaap
Andy and family, we are so sorry for the loss of your dad.
Paul enjoyed serving alongside Dan for many years at church, and our family always looked forward to his smiles and hugs on Sunday mornings. He always seemed so happy!
Our hearts are heavy at the huge hole that his loss will leave.
We are thankful that he knew the Lord, and we are lifting you all up in prayer.
With love,
Paul, Jen, Tommy & Lizzie Schaap
David Boulter
To the Van Lent family: I am really sorry for your loss. Dan was one of the good ones.
Nancy Green
I’m so very sorry. I went to school with Dan. He was always had a good heart.
Lynne Livingston
Oh my! So, so sorry to hear this! Prayers for his family!
Lynne Cook
So sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. Thoughts and prayers for his family.
Sheryl Pion
So sorry for your loss. Dan was one of our neighbors and he always had a smile and wave for us.
The Pion Family
Jackie Taylor
Dan was a sweet man. Worked security at the fair with him several years. So much fun to work with. Prayers for his family.
Jennifer Grace
We were so saddened by the news of Danny’s passing. He was one of my Mom’s favorite coworkers and Dave and I thought the world of him.
deb tate
sorry for loss. i am one of his cousin
Allan Curtis Holden
If God handed me an order form, and asked me to select from dozens of features, all the very items I would desire in a playmate, and life-long friend, Dan would have filled that order perfectly. And that, he certainly did!
Thanks to Godly Parents, who pointed out “the way of Life,” and to a gracious Savior, our friendship shall continue far beyond the grave . . . all Praise and Thanksgiving be to our Lord Jesus, who is the Resurrection and the Life . Thanks for being You, Dan!
Debbie Eakins
Nick, Bryan, Andy, Marlene and family
I worked with Danny for 35 years. He scared me at first then I figured out he was just a teddy bear underneath. He helped me so much thru the years. He encouraged me to move to Otsego and helped me so many times with my daughter Missy and my family. This has truly impacted me. I still can’t believe it. My thoughts and prayers are with you. We are in Florida but there in our hearts. There will only be one Danny VanLent. So blessed we were friends. ❤️ He truly loved his boys and grandchildren.
D K Doubblestein
So young and so talented. He will be missed by me and a lot of others
Tim and Judy Gates Hayes
Shirley, Jim, Terry, Nick, Andy , Bryan and your families, and Marlene.
It’s hard to believe that I won’t run into Dan anymore until we meet in heaven. You all were his world. Keep his memories close to your heart and he will be with you always. I will miss his humor. Praying for all of you. Love, Tim and Judy Gates Hayes
Susan Evans
So very sad to hear of Danny passing. I worked with him at Consumers and had many laughs with him through the years.
Joe and Robert Leigeb
Andy and Bryan, we are so sorry for your loss. Dan was a great guy, and it shows in his children. You guys are in our prayers.
Carl and Judy Petersen
Were are sorry for your lost, Judy and I just learned on FB of his passing. We will keep you all in our prayers, The Lord has called another Hero home so he will be missed.
Jo golden
Jam and Terry and family I am so sorry for your loss may God be with you all love Jo
SHIRLEY MCGHEE
PLEASE KNOW MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYER ARE WITH THE VANLENT FAMILY. I WORKED WITH DANNY AT CONSUMERS ENERGY AND HAVE FUNNY AND FOND MEMORIES. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY-SHIRLEY MCGHEE