Danny Dale Shepler

Danny Dale Shepler, age 77, of Hastings, Michigan, passed away on December 23, 2023, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Dan was born on June 3, 1946, in Hastings, Michigan, the son of Arthur Ray and Nella Lois (Lyons) Shepler.  He was a 1964 graduate of Hastings High School.  On February 14, 1986, Dan married Melinda Sue Schultz.

Dan worked for Bliss starting in 1964.  He had a wonderful career.  He was most proud of his time in international sales and service in Mexico, Central America, and South America.  In 1976 he was transferred to Pennsylvania for the installation of the Bliss Stamping presses to produce the bi-centennial coins at the Philadelphia mint and to handle all field service work on the east coast.  During these years, he had the opportunity to see so much of the beautiful country.  His career included starting his own machine repair company in 1986, which he was very successful and proud of.

Dan and Mindy loved to camp and travel across America.  He finally convinced Mindy to take a cruise to Alaska.  This opened a new world of travel.  They both loved to cruise the east coast, Bahamas, Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Mexican Riviera.

Family was at the top of his priority list. Hunting with his son and being with his daughters always brightened his days. He was happiest when all the kids, spouses, significant others, grand and great-grandchildren gathered together, even though the house was like a zoo.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, sister Katy, daughter Jennifer, and granddaughter Crystal.

He is survived by his sisters Janet Shepler and Judy (Keith) Johnson, children Stacy (Brian) VanDam and Stephen (Kari) Shepler, and son-in-law Wes Casarez, grandchildren Kaitlynn (Kevin) Poll, Arthur (Shannon) Kensington, Cassie (Adam) Harvath, Amber (Kacy) Blair, Jonathan Shepler, and Emily, Makayla and Holly Casarez, great-grandchildren Ethan and Everett Poll, Avery and Madison Harvath, and Betsy, Bradon, and Macklyn Blair.

Dan was the most kind, gentle, loving individual. He will be remembered as an exceptional father and grandfather. No woman could ask for a more loving friend and husband.  We will see you again.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 10:00 AM with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 AM at Green Street United Methodist Church, 209 W Green St, Hastings, MI 49058.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Green St United Methodist Church,  Best Friends Animal Sanctuary https://bestfriends.org/donate or 5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, UT 84741 or  St Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/ or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.