Daniel Robert Heller

March 3, 1956 - January 3, 2020

Daniel “Dan” Heller, 63, of Kalkaska, passed away Friday, January 3, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family. Dan was born on March 3, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Wallace and Helen (Shaffer) Heller. On June 20, 2009, Dan married Judy (Bennett) Heller. Dan grew up in Livonia Michigan where after high school he worked for 7 Up Bottling Company. Dan and his family had vacationed at their cottage on Manistee Lake for years and in 1987 Dan made the decision to permanently move to Kalkaska. Dan worked for R.L. Morris & Sons Construction Co. for many years until his retirement in 2019. Dan loved sports and played and coached men’s softball for many years. He was a loyal Spartan fan but also rooted for the Wolverines when they weren’t playing each other. Dan was an avid fisherman and hunter. He made many trips down to Tippy Dam and also loved to ice fish with his nephew Conner, who he had a special bond with. Dan enjoyed pheasant and grouse hunting and had several great bird dogs through the years. He also had a passion for deer hunting and loved going to deer camp in the western Upper Peninsula where he hunted with family and friends. Dan and Judy loved the outdoors and enjoyed feeding the birds and watching different critters at the bird feeders, including turkeys, bear, coyotes, fox, deer, raccoons, squirrels, and many pesky “possum”. They enjoyed fishing, playing ball with Conner, driving or taking walks with the dogs through the woods, and playing cards in the evening. Dan and Judy enjoyed time together whatever they were doing. Dan is survived by his wife Judy, her two children Kari (Scott) Risinger and Rob Bennett; his “little buddy”, Conner Birmingham; siblings, Nancy (Geoff) Carter, Tom (Melissa) Heller; grandchildren; Michael, Kylee, Sara, Camdyn and Carsyn; many nieces and nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Kathy Siebert and nephew, Jake Heller. A celebration of Dan’s life will be announced in the spring.