Daniel Keith VanVolkinburg

VanVolkinburg, Daniel Keith, age 72 of Shelbyville, MI, was led by angels to the gates of Heaven on Sunday, January 19, 2025. He joins his parents Keith and Jean (Folmer) VanVolkinburg and his grandson, Lucas VanVolkinburg (11/24/24). Dan was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. He was a faith-filled servant of God, a good, generous man who was always willing to help anyone in need. Dan made the most of every minute God gave him to live.

Dan leaves behind the love of his life, Yvonne (Adams); their four loving children Mark VanVolkinburg, Michelle (Mike) Mass, Dawn (Rob) Larkin, Chad (fiancée, Kassie Williams); their grandchildren Lucas (d. 11/24/24) (Alexis), Paige (fiancé, Tim), Brittany (fiancé, TJ), Tyler (Josie), Darrien, Devin, Macy, Jessica (Chris), Jacob, Brooke, Zachary, Emily, Danielle, Camden, Jayden; and great-grandchildren Jordan, McKenzie, Lucas, Scarlet, Helena, Gabriella, Sloan, Violet, Ronin, Ranger, Addison, Lacey, Tommy; his siblings Bruce (Connie), Melody (Jeff), Jeff (Tammy), Kevin (Brenda); several cousins and dear friends.

After graduating from Byron Center High School in 1970, Dan served as a Staff Sergeant in the Air National Guard. He married his high school sweetheart, Voni, in 1972 and they settled down in Byron Center. He was a hard worker who enjoyed craftsmanship. It was no surprise when he started his own construction business and worked in that profession for nearly 40 years. His sons would eventually both work with him and now have their own construction business. When Dan wasn’t working, he helped others with construction projects, donating his time. Dan always made time for family and made God a priority. Every Sunday, the family would go to church. After church he would take everyone out for lunch at one of their favorite local spots or would take the family on a road trip. He liked to drive up north to Sleeping Bear Dunes or a quiet lake to hike and enjoy nature. For summer vacations, he took the family to Copper Harbor in the Upper Peninsula and sometimes even ventured into Canada to explore. Later in life when there were grandkids, Dan would take many of them out for breakfast before going to church, taking up at least one full row.

Dan loved to share what he knew with children. Whether it was teaching his grandkids how to blacksmith to make crosses and craft woodworking creations, or traveling on mission trips to the Dominican Republic, taking his granddaughter Jessica along, he cherished this time. Dan also shared his love of God with children in the community teaching Sunday school at Thornapple Valley Church for several years. His spirit of generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Dan enjoyed being outdoors fishing, blacksmithing, building guns, shooting guns, and of course woodworking. Dan earned his pilot’s license when he turned 40 then he and his brother Bruce bought a small plane for short adventures. He loved animals - especially horses. Their farm always had a variety of animals from horses and cows, to goats, and chickens.

Dan bravely battled Parkinson’s for more than five years and never once complained about his condition. As the disease slowly took away his ability to move, it was hard for Dan not to be able to do all the things he loved to do. His warm smile and kind eyes will be forever missed.

The family will receive visitors from 4-7 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2025 at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, 312 N. Main St., Wayland, Michigan. Memorial services will be led by Pastor Jeff Arnett 1 p.m. Saturday, January 25 at Thornapple Valley Church, 2750 M-43, Hastings, Michigan, with family receiving guests from 12-1 p.m. before the service.

The family wishes to express deepest gratitude to everyone who helped Voni care for Dan, especially Brooke, Paige, and Lexi and to Faith Hospice who provided tender care and support in his final weeks of life. Memorial contributions may be given the Children’s Ministry at Thornapple Valley Church of Hastings.

The family welcomes memories and messages at www.kubiakcookwayland.com in their guestbook online.