Dan Workman

With a journey that spanned times of war and peace, plenty and want, grief and joy, Daniel Workman never lost sight of what truly mattered through it all. He was a constant source of strength in the face of difficulty, and he exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord he loved so very deeply. A devoted family man, nothing made Dan happier than spending time with his loved ones. His legacy of compassion and kindness touched the lives of many for the better, and he was a true servant to his family, his church, and his community. Dearly loved, Dan will not soon be forgotten.

The late 1940s were some exciting years to be living in the United States of America. Following the end of WWII in 1945 just a short time before, the world was finally beginning to find some healing. Here at home, the economy was thriving, and the historic baby boom was underway. It was during this influential time that Jacob and Helen (Kroes) Workman of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were awaiting the arrival of their third child. On August 10 of 1946, they were thrilled to welcome their son, who they named Daniel Warren, into the family.

Growing up, Dan was a typical boy of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home on Elliot Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan, alongside his three siblings, David, Bonnie, and Dawn. Dan’s father, Jacob, supported the family as a factory and plant worker and manager while his mother, Helen, was a dedicated homemaker. Dan attended local schools, including Mulick Park Elementary and Ottawa Hills High School.

He was a very gifted athlete. Dan especially excelled in baseball as a young boy with a fantastic pitching arm. He would practice in the basement, pitching at the concrete walls. He played varsity golf in high school. Dan also had the chance to learn how to sail with a friend in high school. Dan attended one year of college before following the call to serve his country and enlisting in the United States military. He joined the Air Force, serving as a photo mapper and a C-130 Crew Chief. Throughout his enlistment from 1965 to 1969, Dan was stationed throughout the U.S., as well as Vietnam and Brazil.

While Dan was stationed in Topeka, Kansas, he met his future wife on a blind date. Sherry Guge was a cosmetologist and owned a salon in Topeka. Dan and Sherry were united in marriage on January 20, 1970. The newlyweds lived in Topeka for a short time but soon moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they raised their family. In 1988, the family moved to Jenison where Dan lived the rest of his days. They were married for thirty years.

Of all the things Dan loved in life, his family was his greatest treasure. Together, he and Sherry were proud parents of their three children, Michelle, Todd, and Brian. Dan’s kids were his greatest source of pride and joy, and he took his role as a father very seriously. He always worked the early shift as a truck driver and plant manager at Chem Central so that he would be free to attend every after-school activity. Their summers were spent at Sandy Pines, the backdrop for countless wonderful memories. They also took the occasional trip to Disney and Colorado and visited family in Kansas and Missouri.

Dan was a very active member of his church, serving as a deacon, youth leader, and Sunday school teacher. As a youth leader, he was involved in leading mission trips and attending youth conferences with the high school students. He was very influential in the students’ lives and built many long-lasting relationships. The DeColores organization had a huge impact on Dan’s life. Later in life, his faith became even stronger and was extremely important to him. He was passionate about reading his Bible and doing devotions daily.

In 2001, the Workman family suffered a devastating loss with the loss of Todd. After the tragedy, they made sure to hold on to each other all the tighter. Later in life, Dan was so happy to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. He doted endlessly on his grandkids and never missed a game, event, or special occasion. Dan’s beloved dogs, Pudge, Maggie, and Phoebe, were like members of the family. He considered himself greatly blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

In his retirement years, Dan did not slow down. He went out to breakfast nearly every day to meet with his friends. He also became closer with the neighbors on his cul-de-sac. He volunteered his time as a driver for “Meals on Wheels” and for Sunset Manor. He traveled several times a year to visit family in South Carolina. Dan took up walking to boost both his mental and physical health. He walked the neighborhood when the weather was good, and in the colder months, he walked at the mall, greeting everyone he met with a smile. In fact, in 2024, Dan walked nearly 12 miles every day, according to his trusty FitBit.

Never one to sit still for long, Dan kept busy with many hobbies in his free time. He was an avid fan of many sports teams, including the Detroit Lions and Tigers, the Red Wings, the Pistons, and the Wolverines. Dan enjoyed music from Neil Diamond, as well as praise music and movie soundtracks. He loved his jigsaw puzzles, and was great at all kinds of games, with Cribbage and Chickenfoot being some family favorites. Dan took meticulous care of his cars, his house, and his yard. He enjoyed grilling and loved nothing more than being served a good, home-cooked meal.

When looking back on the overflowing life of Daniel Workman, it is easy to see both his unwavering determination and his unconditional love for his family. He served others with his whole heart, always going above and beyond to care for those around him. A devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Dan was beloved by so many. His insatiable zest for life could be felt by all who were near, and his sunny joyfulness radiated a warmth that will be forever remembered. Although he is already dearly missed, Dan leaves behind a priceless legacy of loyalty and generosity that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Daniel Warren Workman, age 79, of Jenison, MI, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025. Dan was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in the summer of 1946 to the late Jacob and Helen [Kroes] Workman. Along with his parents, Dan is preceded in death by his son Todd and brother David Workman. He is survived by his former wife Sherry [Guge] Workman and their two children Brian (Laura) Workman and Michelle (Dezso) Vastag and grandchildren Jonathan (Jess) Vastag, Benjamin Vastag, Savanna Vastag, Joanna Workman, Terra Workman and Brennan Workman as well as by one great-grandchild Levi. Dan is also survived by his sisters Bonnie (Fred) Hansz and Dawn (Fred) Lenger and many beloved nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.

An event to celebrate his life, with a visitation/reception following, will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 1 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt-Shawmut Chapel, (212 Lake Michigan Dr. NW., Grand Rapids, MI 49504).

Celebrate Dan’s life by sharing your favorite stories and pictures on his dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com