Dan Dupon

Dan Dupon lived a very active life well into his later years. Blessed with an abundant and loving family, he relished in his role as a supportive husband, father, and grandfather. Generous beyond measure, there simply wasn’t anything that he wouldn’t do for his family or a friend in need. Dan leaves behind a rich collection of warm memories for his special friends and loved ones to cherish forever.

The era of the 1920s was a period of sustained economic prosperity. With the media focused on jazz music and celebrities, Daniel was born the second to the youngest of seven children to his immigrant parents from the Netherlands on March 21, 1926, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His birth brought great joy and many blessings to the family home.

Growing up in the Burton Heights neighborhood, Dan lived a typical childhood of the times. He held a paper route and helped his dad in the bakery they owned on Grandville Avenue. His mom was a homemaker looking after the active lives of Dan and his siblings. Taught the value of Christain worship and values, they attended Burton Heights Christian Reformed Church. When there was time away from their busy lives, they would pack the car for trips to Michigan’s beautiful northern areas. He attended Godwin Heights Elementary and graduated with the Class of 1944 from Grand Rapids Christian High School. By then he had grown and found work in the field of reading meters for the local electric company. These early years were spent making a successful pathway for himself.

Heaney's Business College was the perfect setting to meet, Barbara, the woman who would change the course of his life forever. Meeting on campus, Dan wasn’t afraid to ask to borrow her dad’s car to treat her to nights out to the movie and a burger afterward! Over the five years they dated, they grew closer sharing a love of one another’s company as well as strong Christian values. They purchased their first home and filled it with pets before they could afford their first pieces of furniture. Many movies and burgers later, they joined in marriage on October 1, 1949. Dan and Barbara were lucky to be blessed with two wonderful children, Blake and Kelly. By this time, he was working at White and White Distributing as a bookkeeper and later completed his realtor’s license to work with Van Wieren & Veen Realty. A strong provider, Dan’s work continued in the development of commercial properties, for Markland Development. An entrepreneur at heart, his reputation and integrity led him to a successful career that allowed him to retire at the young age of fifty-five years old.

As a father, Dan loved being involved in the lives of his children. His favorite times were the years they spent on Gun Lake and their annual trips to Mackinac Island as a family. He taught them all how to water ski and enjoy time in the water. His children knew where he stood on his expectations, yet also knew that his heart was always well-meaning. Dan wanted nothing but the best for his family. He taught them the value of working hard in order to spend time doing the things they loved. As a husband, he loved to dote on Barbara. The two of them enjoyed many special trips over the years including touring Europe and spending their winters on Marco Island on the west coast of Florida. In addition to sunshine and water, Dan’s greatest pleasure was the family he so loved.

Active in his community, Dan enjoyed being a member of the West Side Christian School board for many years. He was also a charter member of the Highland Hills Christian Reformed Church where he could make decisions and improvements to the property over the years. As much as he could handle himself around others in business dealings, he loved to be away from crowds and found pleasure in reading. His favorite author was John Grisham as he often could lose himself in a good mystery or court case. Described as introverted yet always ready to host his family, Dan leaves many special memories behind. May his loved ones often reflect on the fierce love he held for each and every one of them and may his memories be eternal.

Daniel Dupon, of Grand Rapids and Gun Lake, went to be with his Lord on March 4, 2022, just shy of his 96th birthday. Dan was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; and his six brothers and sisters. Lovingly remembered by his children, Blake (Mary Beth) Dupon, Kelly (Douglas) Guiles; grandchildren, Kaitlin (Joshua) Geschwendt, Nicole Guiles, Matthew Dupon, Jonathan Guiles, and Jessica Dupon; great-granddaughter, Lila Geschwendt; and many nieces and nephews. No service or visitation is planned. A private family interment will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Light Africa Ministries (Uganda) or Kids Food Basket. To read leave a memory or sign the guest book please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.