Danny Ray Kucharek, age 66 of Gaylord, Michigan, while at home surrounded by family and loved ones, went to be with the Lord on this day, March 5, 2019.
He was born July 12, 1952 in Warren, Ohio, the second oldest of 8 children. He moved to Gaylord in 1953 and graduated from Gaylord High School. He married Donna Moore in 1970 and had 1 son and 2 daughters.
Danny was a self-employed welder, who worked in the oil field, and was a millwright at Georgia-Pacific in Gaylord. He was an Eagle member. He loved the outdoors, was an avid hunter, loved camping but most of all, his passion was fishing. He found peace and serenity on the water. He loved country music, cooking and having fish fries with family. He always helped others and made family gatherings happen.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ted Kucharek; mother, Lois Butka; stepfather Robert Butka; granddaughter, Mercedes Prelop, and daughter in law Carla VanDeKerchove.
Danny is survived by his wife of 48 years, Donna Kucharek; his children, Rich VanDeKerchove, Danielle Kucharek, Bobbie Jo Kucharek and Daisy (the family dog); siblings, Tony (Jane) Kucharek, Tonya Wardlow, Pam Walls, Ted (Kathy) Kucharek Jr., Angela (John) Mackie, Michelle (Jim) Grove, Jackie (Nick) Hathaway; grandkids, Nick (Hayley) VanDeKerchove, Hunter VanDeKerchove, Luke (Renee) VanDeKerchove and Emilee Mager; great-grandkids on the way; sister in law, Maureen (Rich) Radcliffe; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
There will be a memorial dinner to celebrate his life at the Gaylord Eagles Hall, 515 S. Wisconsin Ave., at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, 2019.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family, through the Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
16 comments on “Danny Kucharek”
So sad to hear this news…Sending big hug!
Dan- you always made me laugh. It was a joy to know you. Until we meet again. I love you. Chicago 😘
Donna, So sorry to read of Dan’s passing. Will always remember you both from playing euchre at the Eagles (and our 20 hand one time). May you find peace and comfort knowing he is now with the angels! Sincere sympathy. Aara Sue
I was sorry to hear this, Prayers for the family.
I am truly sorry to hear this, I will miss you my friend. Prayers sent to the family. Nancy Colton
I miss you so much Brother. I will miss all the fun times on those crazy Sundays when Toons and I were with you guys going out eating in different restaurants. I will miss camping, fishing, going out on the boat and going to the car races. What ever it was, we always ended up laughing at something stupid that one of us did or said. Its going to be one very different Spring and Summer.
So sorry to hear about your loss, thinking of the family.
Dear Kucharek Family – I was sorry to hear of Dan passing – I remember so well that smile and him saying something that made you smile too. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Danny, was for a time, one of my classmates at St. Mary’s in Gaylord. I am very sorry to hear of his passing.
Loretta Koronka Swantek
Jackie, my heart hurts for you and your family. Sending peaceful prayers to all of your family. Love you so much.
Sorry for your loss! Thinking of you all & sending hugs! RIP Danny!
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your husband and father.
My dearest friend, I am so very sorry for your loss. It saddens me to not be there with you. Know that I am there in thoughts and prayers. I pray that the Lord gives you the strength to get through this difficult time. Love you my friend❤️😢🙏🏻
My dear Donna & family. So very sorry to learn of Dan’s passing. I know your feelings & understand the emotions. I wish I could be with you on the 24th, but I must be on my way to U of M with Jim that day for his appt on the 25 th. Please know I’m praying for you, BobbieJo, Dani & Rich for you to cope with your loss.
So sorry for your family’s loss you all are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻❤️
Oh no! I will miss you Dan! You were a good friend for so many years… I have nothing but great memories of you. I will miss your big smile and your friendship. I spent so much time with your sisters, and your whole family, when we were growing up, that I feel like part of your family. I will miss you my friend 😢