Daniel Milford Rose

Daniel (Dan) Milford Rose, age 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 in Surprise, Arizona surrounded by his loving family members. Dan was born Dec 9, 1929, in River Rouge, Michigan, the only child of Milford and Genevieve Rose. He was the beloved husband of Ethel Bernice (Clay) Rose. Last year in May 2019, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Daniel was the father of 4 children: Colleen (John) Stokes, Kevin (Leslie) Rose, Dr Scott (Renee) Rose, and Jennifer (Robert) Chelpka. He was the Papa, as his grandkids of 8 fondly called him: Christopher Stokes, Kimberly Presby, Sara Heilig, Amy Santa, Sabrina Nelsen, Victoria Rose, Laura Budwill, and Joshua Chelpka. In addition, 13 great grandchildren; called him their Great Papa.

Dan and his wife were devout members of the Assemblies of God denomination in Michigan as well as Arizona. He was a resident of Sun City for the past 38 years and an active member of the Sun City Accordion Club. Dan was a sign painter by trade, having owned his own business back in Michigan for years. Occasionally you can still come across a Champion Spark Plug sign he painted back in Michigan. While he did paint a variety of paintings, his favorite ones and those most cherished by his children are oil paintings of land and seascapes with boats and lighthouses. As a young ten year old boy he began taking accordion lessons. He was told his fingers were too short to successfully play the accordion but 80 years later he was still playing. His repertoire of music ranged from church hymns, polkas, waltzes, marches, oldies and a many others. Back in the 1950’s he began playing music in nursing homes. He knew he could reach an elderly person with music and raise their spirits or bring back precious memories. Dan considered this his ministry and it continued up until the last few years. Besides being an accomplished artist and musician, he also did some wood working. He made several large paddle wheel boats with intricate designs, trains, and wall art. While Daniel was a quiet man, his life spoke volumes. He was faithful to his Lord and Savior, and began each day with Bible reading and prayer for his family, relatives, friends, and country. He will be missed by his loved ones, but his legacy will live on in our hearts.

Vistitation will take place at Sunland Memorial Park chapel on Tuesday, Feb 4 from 3:00 until 6:00 pm. The funeral will be held Wednesday, Feb 5, at 10:00 at Church on the Green in Sun City West with Pastor Peter Deleon officiating. He will be interred at Sunland Memorial Park.