Daniel P. Kielbasa

Daniel (Dan) Paul Kielbasa was born on June 24th, 1962 in East Chicago, Indiana to Paul F. and Sharon J. (Mastey) Kielbasa. Raised in Trenton, Michigan, he graduated with the class of 1980 at Trenton High School. After high school he married Patricia Honeycutt and had 4 beautiful daughters, Melissa Kizer, Kristin Kielbasa (Nick Seedorf), Jillian Kielbasa, Micheala Kielbasa (Christopher Tufnell). They were married for 20 years, raising Melissa, Kristin, Jillian and Micheala, together. The most important thing to Dan was his family. He loved spending time with his girls and his mother. As his family expanded to include grandchildren, his life was full of joy from Angelina Wheet, Olivia Kizer, Nicholas Kizer, Colby Seedorf, Ryan Kielbasa, and Madison Seedorf. He kept in touch with family from out of town and made friends easily everywhere he went. His children remember his encouraging, non-judgmental attitude that made him easy to talk to about anything, even the difficult things, in their lives. Laughter and jokes were easy for him and he loved to share them with everyone, even at difficult moments. He loved good natured teasing and giving out nicknames. His love and devotion to his family made it easy for him to do anything for them. Dan loved to be outside and close to nature, especially up north. He loved it all, camping, fishing, hunting and passed on his knowledge and passion to his daughters. He took pride in teaching them everything he knew, including how to grill or cut the grass. Recently, he had taken up nature photography as a way to continue expressing his love for the outdoors. Of course, he loved working with his hands and building things which led to a family tradition of building gingerbread houses for Christmas. His craftmanship gave him successful careers in steel and transportation. He was a big sports fan, especially football and hockey. Even though Dan was born in the heart of Chicago Bears territory, he was a Lions and Red Wings fan through and through. He loved college ball, as well, and rooted for the University of Michigan. He was faithful and would often pray at the statue of St Mary at IHM Sisters in Monroe, MI. Dan passed away at the age 57 unexpectedly at home in Monroe, MI on June 14th, 2020. Dan is survived by his mother, Sharon Kielbasa, 4 Daughters; Melissa Kizer, Kristin Kielbasa (Nick Seedorf), Jillian Kielbasa, Micheala Kielbasa (Christopher Tufnell). 6 grandchildren Angelina Wheet, Olivia Kizer, Nicholas Kizer, Colby Seedorf, Ryan Kielbasa, and Madison Seedorf. Niece and Nehpew; Carly Schultz and Nick (Kamry) Schultz., and 1 great niece; Rory Schultz. Many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He was preceded in death by his Father, Paul F Kielbasa, and his sister, Gayle A. Schultz. Per his wishes, cremation will be entrusted to Martenson’s Family Home in Trenton, Michigan. A memorial and celebration of life will be scheduled at a future date. Memorials can be sent to Dan Kielbasa Memorial, 5854 Point Aux Peaux, Newport, MI 48166.