OBITUARY
Alan "Big Al" E. Danhoff
March 19, 1953 – August 13, 2011
Alan E. Danhoff “Big Al” Willard, Ohio
Born on March 19, 1953, to Peter J. Danhoff and Thelma (Hedden) Danhoff in Willard, OH, Alan died on August 13, 2011, at Elmwood at the Springs in Green Springs, OH. For nearly twenty years “Big Al” loyally served as the football manager of the Willard High School Crimson Flashes. More recently, he worked at Sandco Industries in Fremont, OH. He participated in Special Olympics yearly and played T-Ball during the summer. He was a state board member of “People First,” and attended the Clyde Life Enrichment Program. He also regularly attended services at the Vineyard Christian Church in Fremont. He loved talking on the phone, shopping at Wal-Mart, and attending Sandco dances. Alan was a special man who, though blind, saw the world as a happy place. Throughout his life and his several months of illness, he remained positive, never complaining about his disabilities or his health. He overlooked his handicaps and enriched the lives of all of us through his sense of humor and his innocent outlook on life. His death leaves a void that cannot be filled.
Preceded in death by his parents, Alan is survived by: brothers, James (Diann) Danhoff, Gull Lake, MI, David (Natalie) Danhoff, Clyde, OH, John (Pam) Danhoff, Marietta, PA; nieces and nephews, PJ (Lisa) Danhoff, Jayne (Erik) Sabaitis, Ben Danhoff, Alivia Danhoff, Clyde, OH, Amanda Danhoff, Columbus, OH, Emily Fairbanks, Battle Creek, MI, and Josh Sattler, Kalamazoo, MI; great-nephew and great-niece, Mason and Molly Sabaitis; Uncle Kenny (Ellen) Danhoff, Willard, OH; several cousins; best friend, Jay Cullen, with whom he fought daily over who was going to get the mail; and many, many dear friends. Special to Alan were his caregivers Kathy, Rachel, Andrea, and Kristen.
At the request of family, friends may attend a viewing at the Lindsey Kocher Funeral Home on Monday, August 15, 2011, from 4 to 7PM. A service honoring Alan will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Willard on August 16, 2011 at 11:00AM. After the service burial will take place at the Willard Greenwood Cemetery where Alan will be buried beside his parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be sent to the Willard High School Athletic Boosters or to Sandco Industries, Fremont, OH.
Services
- Visitation Monday, August 15, 2011
- Funeral Service Tuesday, August 16, 2011
REMEMBERING
Alan "Big Al" E. Danhoff
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RECEIVE UPDATESJulie Stawowy
August 19, 2011
Mr. David Danhoff and Family:
My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. I will miss dancing with Al in the rebel gym. Al is an amazing person that will be missed.
Sending thoughts of peace and courage-
Joni Kousma-Polachek
August 18, 2011
I too, remember Al growing up. We all played together at the Willard Pool. Life was so simple then and so many of us are better people just by knowing Big Al. Our loss is truly heaven's gain.
Ed and Theresa Smith
August 17, 2011
Jim and Diann,
Sorry to learn of Big Als passing. You have our deepest sympathy.
Coach Teresa Langley
August 16, 2011
I am so sorry to hear that "Big Al" passed away. It was an honor to be his track coach throughout the years. When he said that he wanted to do a running event I tried to think of a reason why he couldn't do it. And whatever reason I gave, he gave me a reason why he should be able to do it. He was a wonderful man and will alway be in my heart. "You've crossed that Finish Line Al and we all are cheering you on!!!!"
Sarah Mohrman
August 16, 2011
My boyfriend Terry Rhoads and I wish to express our deepest sympathy at this very sad time. We both have great memories of working with Alan at Sandco Industries. He was an amazing person who had such a great outlook on life. He's definitely left a huge void at Sandco. May you all take comfort in knowing that Alan is now safely home with our Lord and Savior and that is the greatest gift anyone can ever ask for.
Donnie Buss
August 16, 2011
Such special memories of growing up in Willard where our lives evolved around playing ball and Al was always there. God bless this special friend and help the family find comfort knowing Al is in a special place.
Laurie (Kampen)Babbitt
August 16, 2011
Jim & Diann,
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your precious brother. May God wrap his loving arms around you and your family and guide you through this very difficult time. You are in our prayers. God bless.
Jeff Cox
August 15, 2011
JD and Divid,
My sincere condolences go out to your family I'll always remember Big Al hanging out at the pool and having a great time with us kids, god bless and RIP Big AL
Kelly Hicks
August 15, 2011
Danhoff family,
So sorry to hear of Al's passing. I am honored to have known him and will remember him always.
Greg McDermitt
August 15, 2011
Danhoff family,
Please accept our sincere condolences over your loss. Our son, Adam, truly cared for Alan, and looked forward to working with him, visiting he and Jay, and just talking with him daily. Adam is sad but believes that Alan will only make Heaven a better place. My wife Chris and I believe that as well.
August 15, 2011
Jim and family..please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your brother. Carolyn Howell Ruckman
Matt Adams
August 15, 2011
In the end a person is measured by the impact he had on other peoples lives......You accomplished that in an immeasurable way Big Al ! You brought so much happiness and joy to the lives of many ! You may be gone but you will NEVER be forgotten ♥ Rest easy my friend !!!!!
Jerry Waterbeck
August 15, 2011
To the Danhoff Family. You have my sincere condolences during this time of your loss.
It's not ony your loss, but a loss to Willard, and many, many friends who's lives were touched by Alan.
I baby sat for him many years ago, and it was him that gave me the inspiration to work with special needs people. Which I have done for several years. He touch me in a positive way that made my life rewarding so that I could help others. Al will be missed by many.
Matthew Adams
August 15, 2011
In the end a man is measured by the impact he had on other peoples lives......You accomplished that in an immeasurable way Big Al ! You brought so much happiness and joy to the lives of many ! You may be gone but you will NEVER be forgotten ♥ Rest easy my friend !!!!!
Angie Corney
August 15, 2011
I wish I could have known Big Al, he sounds like such an amazing person! May the Danhoffs find comfort in the love that surrounds the family at this difficult time.
Courtney Carnahan
August 15, 2011
Dear Danhoff family,
My condolences for your loss. Big Al is a part of my high school memories that will never fade, because Football was extra fun when he was around. Flashes Country lost a big fan, but Heaven has gained an angel! Rest easy big guy.
The Polacheks
August 15, 2011
Thoughts and prayers to the family, R.I.P. Al!
Pam Lucas Dwight
August 15, 2011
I also have many memories of Al. It seems that he was every where when I was growing up. At the pool, sports, he was always there. I am very sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers and hope that you can find some joy in knowing that Al touched so many.
kerri ankrim
August 15, 2011
as i have said before, knowing al made me a better person. rip big guy.
Jenny Albright, Schaub
August 15, 2011
Danhoff Family,
I am sorry for the lose of Al. Growing up down the alley from Big Al would have never been the same. Waking up mornings with him sitting on our porch for us kids to come out and play. Seeing him on the football field with his passion for the game and the kids was a lasting impression. He has left a place in all our lives and am honored to have know him in my life. Many prayers to your family at this time.
Stephanie Ward-McKnight
August 15, 2011
I have the fondest memories of Big Al at all of our football practices and games. Thank you for showing the world your big heart and giving a piece of it to each of us.
Doug Stelma
August 14, 2011
Jim:
You have my deepest sympathies at this time. Having just lost my wife, I know your pain and thoughts at this time. You are in my prayers and thoughts. Just remember, God is in Control....and His timing is perfect. We don't always understand, but He is sovereign and His Grace will carry you through the next days, weeks,and months.
Mark Kampen
August 14, 2011
Jim and Diann my deepest sympathy to you both. I was so priviledged to get to know Big Al through Jim, and the laughter and his quick wit made complete strangers love him. Jim, I will never forget how you would walk him down for an ice cream cone and then wipe his chin when it needed it. Big Al will be missed greatly by many of us.
IN THE CARE OF