Daniel D. Scheck

Daniel Scheck was a man of great patience, great creativity, and even greater faith. He was a man who taught what he knew, shared what he earned, and practiced what he preached. Daniel was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend to so many. Most of all, he was a man who lived each day in service to the Lord, and taught us to do the same. Daniel's story began on a warm spring day in 1943, a time of such great turmoil around the globe. The family of Rev. Elmer and Esther (Beutler) Scheck found a reason for hope and proof of God's love, with the birth of a baby boy on Thursday, May 27, 1943, a son they named Daniel. Daniel was born in Kearney, Nebraska, where his Lutheran minister father had a congregation in nearby Amherst. Daniel joined two older brothers and two older sisters in the Scheck home, which naturally revolved around the Lutheran faith. Daniel was baptized on June 13, 1943 at Trinity Lutheran Church, at just two and a half weeks old. The family eventually moved to Michigan, where Daniel's father took up a new flock at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Bach. Daniel was of course raised in the church, and was confirmed on April 14, 1957 at St. Peter's. Daniel attended Sebewaing High School, there in the thumb of Michigan, on the shores of Saginaw Bay. He graduated from Sebewaing in 1961, before heading off to Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois, a private Lutheran school. In his first week of college, Daniel's life was changed forever, so much for the better. There he met a beautiful young woman named Barbara Goerke, and it was truly love at first sight for Daniel. One problem: She was on a date with another young man when he met her! Eventually he won her over, though, and the two dated all through college. They were married June 4, 1965 in Redford Township near Detroit, just after Dan graduated from college. Dan survived a scare when he lost Barbara's wedding ring, only to find it as the last remaining item in his dorm room! Despite that rocky start, Dan and Barbara enjoyed 41 wonderful years of marriage. The newlyweds started off in Chebanse, Illinois, where Dan took his first job, and spent time with his new bride. Soon, though, the husband and wife would become father and mother, as well. They welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Julie, who would be joined by wonderful sisters Karen and Marci in the coming years. Dan furthered his education by attending graduate school at the Art Institute of Chicago. The family moved around the Midwest, as Dan took various positions in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. Over his working career, Dan was also employed as an elementary school teacher, high school teacher, jewelry store manager, and a manager at Sears, as well. Finally Dan began a career as a financial advisor at Thrivent Financial For Lutherans (formerly called the Aid Association for Lutherans). Dan enjoyed the job, and enjoyed helping fellow Lutherans, and stayed there 22 years. Dan was an excellent father, who was very involved in his daughters' school activities. He was always such a talented, creative person, and his daughters always won all their Halloween costume contests, thanks to Dad's help! Dan also was very involved with the local Lutheran schools wherever he went, teaching art and religion, and even served on the school board at St. John's Lutheran School.The family did much together, especially the great camping trips they took with Dan's family. Of course, Dan's primary occupation was always serving the Lord. Dan walked with God daily, who was truly the center of his life. He was deeply committed to doing the Lord's work, and was very involved in the church his entire life. At various times he served as church treasurer, elder, Bible study teacher, children's activities coordinator, and even substitute pastor! Dan always did whatever needed to be done around the church. Dan had many other interests, as well. He was an avid golfer his whole life, and enjoyed other outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, too. He was also passionate about creating art, whether it was his beautiful paintings or murals, pieces of jewelry, or his lovely woodworking projects. Dan was also a devoted and loving family man, who simply doted on his kids, and later, grandkids. He was especially thankful that his daughters each finished college, and maintained a love for the Lord. And Dan was so proud of his grandchildren, and was very involved in their lives. Every summer he and Barbara planned their annual, week-long "Cousin Camp," for the grand kids, complete with elaborate themed activities Dan planned. Every day had a different theme, from the meals, to the costumes, to the activities and treasure hunts. The kids all looked forward to Cousin Camp, and they made so many wonderful memories together then. Sadly, a woodworking accident in July of 2003 left Dan with a traumatic brain injury. He spent two months in a coma, and was hospitalized for two years, followed by a year of home rehabilitation. Then on Saturday, September 16, 2006, Dan went to be with his Lord. Dan was an amazing man, romantic and devoted to his wife, outgoing, optimistic and thoughtful to everyone he knew. He devoted his life to teaching, to helping, and serving the Lord, and was blessed with so much in return. We were so blessed to have known him. He will be greatly missed. Mr. Daniel "Dan" Douglas Scheck, child of God, age 63, died Saturday, September 16, 2006. SURVIVORS: Wife, Barbara; 3 daughters, Julie (Alan) Freigang of Kalamazoo, Karen (David) Benz of Wisconsin & Marci (James) Blankenship of Missouri; 9 grandchildren, Grace and Luke Freigang, Caleb and Abigail Benz, Heidi, Marta, Liesl, James & Emma Blankenship; 2 sisters, Irene Laatsch of Bay City, MI & Dorothy (Glen) Hessler of California; 1 brother, Donald (Audrey) Scheck of Wisconsin & sister-in-law, Jackie Scheck of Wisconsin; several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, & by a brother, Rev. Elmer Scheck. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, September 23, 2006, 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church with Rev. Dieter Haupt officiating. VISITATION: Saturday, 10 - 11AM at St. Johns Lutheran Church. MEMORIAL: St. John's Lutheran School or Hospice of North Ottawa. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Clock Life Story- Grand Haven