Daniel John Holtrop

Dan was born on November 21, 1967 in Lakewood, California to Evelyn and Larry Holtrop, the oldest of three children. The family later returned to Grand Haven, Michigan, where both of his parents had roots. He attended Grand Haven Christian School and West Michigan Christian High School (class of 1986) and spent many years delivering the Grand Haven Tribune and mowing lawns in his neighborhood. He also worked for his father at Holtrop Concrete Products of Ferrysburg and in his spare time could be found somewhere on the waterways near the Grand River. He went on to study business at Calvin College (University), where — during a campus power outage — he met the woman who would become his greatest adventure. He and Brenda (Crawford) were married on August 12, 1989, and together they built a life full of love, laughter, and purpose. Their family grew to include three children and, in time, two grandchildren who brought them immeasurable joy.

Family was the cornerstone of Dan’s life, and the only thing that rivaled his devotion to those closest to him was his commitment to his community. A member of Lincoln Financial since 1990, Dan provided service across West Michigan with clients extending to Big Rapids, Kalamazoo, Detroit, and beyond. Outside work he gave generously of his time and resources across an extraordinary range of organizations, including the Kentwood City Planning Commission, Grand Rapids Christian School Board, the board of MOKA, Kentwood AYSO, Brookside CRC, The Nehemiah Center in Managua, Nicaragua, Family Promise, Brookside’s Mobile Food Pantry, and many more local events and organizations. For over 20 years he also coordinated a men’s golf league at The Pines, a role that combined two of his great loves: sport and the company of good people.

Dan had an adventurous spirit and a deep love of the water, live sporting events, and music. More than anything, he had a gift for making people smile.

He was preceded in death by his father, Larry. He is survived by his wife, Brenda; sons Ross (Alexis) of Grand Rapids and Max (Kendra) of Falmouth; daughter, Jenna of Middleville; grandsons Ozzie and Krew; mother, Evelyn Holtrop of Spring Lake; brother, Steve (Kim) of Managua, Nicaragua; sister, Cathy (Deane) Tubbergen of Holland; and countless nieces, nephews, and members of extended family and friends whose lives he touched.

Visiting hours will be held from 4-6 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026 at Cook Funeral Home in Byron Center, 2067 84th Street SW, Byron Center, Michigan. A celebration of Dan’s life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., at Cornerstone Church, 84th Street Campus, officiated by Paul DeVries.

Dan was passionate about feeding those in need. In his memory, the family welcomes donations to your local mobile food pantry. And if Dan ever made you smile — pass it forward today.