Daniel Wydeck, Jr.

Daniel Wydeck, Jr. was an out-going, fun-loving, hard-working man. He had boundless energy whether at work or play. He liked to joke and tease, but he also had a compassionate heart that cared deeply for friends and family. The respect with which he treated all of life, was shaped by his love for God, nature, and people. Daniel was born during a decade of radical change in America. Despite war protests and the deaths of key political leaders, the United States made gains in civil rights and the space race with the first moon walk. In the final year of the 1960s, Daniel and Kathleen (Michalak) Wydeck of Grand Rapids, Michigan were eagerly anticipating the birth of their first child. They welcomed Daniel Jr. into their hearts and lives on May 21, 1969. When two younger sisters were born, Danny assumed his role as big brother both by teasing and playing with Wendy and Cora. Growing up, Danny thrived on outdoor activities such as riding his BMX bike, shooting his potato gun, BB gun hunting with friends Randy and Donny, and even building a dune buggy. He had chores to do, like feeding the dog, but Dannys childhood was filled with fun and laughter. Experiences in his youth carried over into adulthood: he worked hard, played vigorously, and made great friends. Most importantly, at age 7, Danny made a commitment to follow Jesus, a decision that would lead him to his heavenly home. When Danny graduated from high school, he joined the Marine Corps. But an even more eventful decision came when he married his high school friend, Shelly. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Vincent and Sabryna. Even though the marriage ended after nine years, Danny and Shelly remained friends and supported one another as they raised their son and daughter. Danny worked as a self-employed contractor, yet he invested even more into his childrens lives by the way he lived his own. His philosophy was to make friends, love God, and enjoy life. Vincent and Sabryna express the sincerity of their fathers heart when they address his friends with these words: [Our] dad really loved all of you. Thank you for being his friend. For Danny, life with friends included playing golf and riding dirt bikes. But it wasnt just about hitting a little white ball and ramming around on the back forty. Danny played in a golf league every Thursday, and he competed in dirt bike races that won him trophies. His fondness for outdoor activities shared with friends remained with Danny all his life. Dannys joy for living and his compassion for people were best expressed in the words of his sister: My brother was my hero. I thought he was the coolest person in the world. Nothing had changed. I will always remember his sense of humor and always making you smile. He was full of life. We will all miss him. Daniel Wydeck, Jr., age 38, went to live with Jesus on Friday, August 17, 2007. He is survived by his mother, Kathy (Bob) Smith of Allendale; father, Dan (Shirley) Wydeck, Sr. of Muskegon; children, Vincent Wydeck of Allendale and Sabryna Wydeck of Allendale; 2 sisters, Wendy McGraw of Allendale and Cora (Dan) Kralevic of Allendale; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. A service to celebrate Daniels life will be held on Wednesday, August 22, 2007, 1:00 PM, at Robinson Baptist Church. Interment at Allendale Township Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to meet with the family on Tuesday, 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home~Grand Haven. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.