John Douglas Daniels

John loved retirement in Sun City, his family and friends. He was an avid golfer and a great story teller. John Douglas Daniels, 80, of Sun City, AZ died 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 studying business administration. He primarily worked at Westbend and Volvo/White Motor Trucks where he was a supervisor.

John met the love of his life, Diane Koenighbauer 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's Catholic Church. Through the years was his favorite song by Kenny Rogers and the theme to their almost 58 year marriage “Through the years I 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 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 an avid golfer and played right up until the end, shouting his love for Diane as he left for the course.

Flowers may be sent to Sunland or donations in John’s honor to his favorite charity- Kids on the Go a Non profit 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 will be held Tuesday, November 21, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Sunland Mortuary Lakeside Chapel, 15826 N. Del Webb Blvd. Sun City, AZ. 85351.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Daniels family.