Daniel Chester Klimaszewski

Daniel Chester Klimaszewski, age 68 of Cedar, passed away on March 22, 2016 at home in the arms of his family. Loving husband of 26 years to Pat Haber. Cherished father of Adam (Emily Miranda) and Melisa, stepfather of Matthew (Rachel Mitchell) Haber and Jason (Lindsey Friman) Haber. Dear Gramps of Isaac, Henry, Charlie and Wolf. Brother of Gerald, Barbara, Christine, Loretta, Annette, Ted and the late James.

Dan was born on September 30, 1947 in Flint to Florian and Wanda. Dan lived a big life; his heart was as big as he was. He was loved by many in all areas he touched. He will be remembered as the big guy with his big booming voice, his story telling, and his wonderful way with a quip. After his time in the Air Force, Dan lived in Flint, the Detroit area, and Ann Arbor, where he worked as a Clinical Social Worker and later as a Special Education Director. Dan retired to Leelanau County with his beloved Pat in 2009. He loved his life up north more than anything else, though he missed his children and grandchildren not being closer. He also loved being involved in Leelanau County politics and his special title of the "Honorable Daniel Klimaszewski". He felt he had done everything on his bucket list.

His son Adam remembers his dad's love of camping in Antrim County Park with his former wife, Rose Cuschieri, and Melisa. His daughter Melisa recalls that he was a serious fan of U of M Athletics and enjoyed meeting him for football games in Ann Arbor. His stepson Matt wants to mention Dan's love for jazz and how Matt enjoyed finding esoteric music that they both would love. His stepson Jason reminiscences about burning their noses together making horseradish every Easter and Passover. His beloved wife Pat thinks of him singing to her when a favorite song would play and how he would grab her to dance around the room.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2016 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City. Memorial contributions made in Dan's name may be directed to the Blood & Marrow Transplant Information Network or to a charity of one's choice. Please share a memory of Dan on the family's online guestbook.