Daniel D. Handley of Plainwell passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at his home in Plainwell. He was born to Hugh and Alta (Atkinson) Handley August 9, 1920 in Plainwell. Dan spent most of his youth in Plainwell, except for short periods in Grand Rapids, Flint and also in Shinglehouse, PA., his parents’ home town. He attended Plainwell Schools and graduated in 1939. Immediately thereafter, he joined the US Navy and served honorably before, during and after WWII. He was discharged on April 1, 1947 as a Chief Radioman. He was joined in marriage with Mary Frances Ward in Brooklyn, NY on April 3, 1948. They lived in Fairmont, W. VA for a time where Dan worked at the local radio station, but they soon decided that they wanted to live around family and moved back to Dan’s hometown of Plainwell. Dan started work at the old Sutherland Paper Company and stayed through all the changes in management for 36 years, retiring from James River Corp. in 1984. Dan was a life member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight of St. Margaret Council #7796 from 1984-86.
Mary Frances passed away in 1993 after many years of fighting leukemia. Dan was also preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ruth Jones. Dan is survived by 6 children, Daniel Jr. (Jeanne) of Staten Island, NY, Patrick (Mary) of Portage, Maureen Summers of Tucson, AZ, Catherine McAuliffe of Plainwell, Eileen (Mike) Burke of Plainwell and Matthew (Sabiene) of Raleigh, NC; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
Friends may meet with Dan’s family Thursday, April 30, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM, with a Rosary at 7:00 PM at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, May 1, 2015 at 10:00 AM at
St. Margaret Catholic Church,
Fr. Ted Martin, Celebrant. Burial with Military Honors will follow at St. Margaret Catholic Cemetery, Otsego. Contributions in memory of Dan may be made to
St. Margaret School,
the
Congregation of St. Joseph
or the
Alzheimer’s Assoc.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.
WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Daniel D. Handley
Condolence Messages
Ron Howrigon
April 29, 2015 at 4:02 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Handley’s children. Growing up across the street from the Handley’s I have many fond memories of a house filled with love and laughter. Dan will be sorely missed in this world.
Ron
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Dalene Murphy
April 29, 2015 at 5:12 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am going to miss him even though we didn’t talk much I always kept an eye on him specially when he was snow blowing the side walks in blizzard conditions ,of course I would peek out the curtain so he couldn’t see me until I knew he was safely back in n the house. We all know if he know I was watching he would of had a fit. If you need anything, I’m next door.
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Marie Holly (O'Sullivan)
April 29, 2015 at 6:56 pm
For Cathy, Dan, Bridget and all the extended Handley family, I wish to offer my sympathies on your loss. We in Ireland will miss the lovely cards he made and sent to us to mark all occasions. It was lovely to have met him on his last trip to Ireland. We’ll keep him in our thoughts and prayers. Love to you all.
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Mary Kay Potyraj
April 29, 2015 at 7:51 pm
God bless the Handley Family! Mom and dad are reunited in faith and love. What a wonderful life and a great legacy in his family. Irish Catholics with strong family bonds and exemplary faith. I met Eileen in college and we roomed together for two years- trips to her house were awesome. Her mom and dad were welcoming and loving and nonjudgmental- THE BEST! I last saw Mr. Handley at Michael Burke’s graduation party last summer and he remembered me and gave love freely. Memories are sweet and I know he is with our Savior and O’ Danny Boy welcomed him home!
Hugs and kisses to all esp Matthew and Michael – you were blessed to have lots of time with Grandpa- cherish the memories- LOVE NEVER DIES- it is always in our heart. Love you Eileen- peace be with you!
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Michele Steiner
April 29, 2015 at 8:46 pm
I will always remember the road trip to Niagara Falls, Canada, the trips to St. Joe’s Lake and the many visits to Plainwell.. Uncle Dan (and Aunt Frances) will always have a special place in my heart. Love, Michele
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Luis Jerezbrea
April 30, 2015 at 7:41 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Handley family. God bless you all!
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Kathy Richardson
April 30, 2015 at 9:15 am
Your dad was such a great guy and I will miss him. I will miss the cards he always made me…
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Joe DeJulius
April 30, 2015 at 10:40 am
It was a pleasure to meet him. Your family will be in my thoughts. God bless.
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Anna Dennany
April 30, 2015 at 2:21 pm
When I think of your family, I think of the history of Saint Margaret Parish and School. If there were a picture directory, Dan and Mary Francis would have the caption, “The Original Boosters.” They helped to build our school and get it paid for. Dan made lots of cards and plaques for the school, one which still hangs by the front door: “St. Margaret School, established 1960. Be it known to all who enter here that Christ is the reason for this school. He is the unseen but ever present teacher in its classrooms. He is the model of its faculty and inspiration of its students. Donated by the Dan Handley Family, 2004.” Our school library is the Mary Francis Handley Library, and her photograph smiles down from a top shelf. I always notice it when our book club meets there, and Eileen is one of our most esteemed characters in attendance. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. I will miss seeing your dad in his green sweater sitting up close by the altar at Saturday night Mass.
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Kevin C Kynoch
April 30, 2015 at 4:28 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you Dan Handley and all of your family.
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Carrie Gloystein
April 30, 2015 at 7:04 pm
Eileen and Family,
May all the memories of him
Let you find some peace
Stay blessed and be strong
My heartfelt condolences are with you!
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Marshall howrigon
April 30, 2015 at 8:45 pm
WE WILL MS SEEING DAN & HIS BUDDY TAKING A WALK AROUND PLAINWELL, BUT THEIR IS A GRATE REUNION IN HEAVEN.
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The Havenaar Family
April 30, 2015 at 10:12 pm
Dan was an inspiration to our family as we were able to enjoy his personality and will to keep moving. Over the years our family would often report on where Dan was last sighted thruuout Plainwell and coined him Super Dan. Dan will be missed.
Jerry, Deb, Brittani, Rachelle, Erika, Kari, and Mikah
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Louis Aidala
May 1, 2015 at 9:45 am
Dan,
My condolences to you and Jeanne on your loss. Often times, you would speak glowingly and lovingly about your Dad. In seeing a history of his life, it’s no wonder– given his remarkable life. I know he impacted you and you will carry his example throughout your life.
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Barbara Hibner
May 1, 2015 at 10:42 am
Maureen, I am praying for you and your family for the loss of your Dad. May you find comfort in knowing you had such a loving parent. Love, Barbara H.
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Keith & Katie Hanenberg
May 1, 2015 at 2:32 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Lynn & Joe Cuffari
May 2, 2015 at 12:37 pm
Maureen has always shared very special stories of times with her Dad…may God bless your family as you struggle to find peace and courage during this time.
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Jan Sell-Kimble & Michael Kimble
May 3, 2015 at 9:20 pm
To the Handley family~
We are sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. May God comfort you during this time. Keep the fond memories of him in your heart forever.
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Bill & Michele Carpenter
May 4, 2015 at 8:43 am
We were so sorry to learn that Dan had passed away. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and could inspire others with his knowledge and experience. I learned so much him about the history of St. Margaret’s Church even though we were parishioners there for over 30 years. Dan and his family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill & Michele Carpenter
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Bill & Michele Carpenter
May 4, 2015 at 8:44 am
We were so sorry to learn that Dan had passed away. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and could inspire others with his knowledge and experience. I learned so much from him about the history of St. Margaret’s Church even though we were parishioners there for over 30 years. Dan and his family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill & Michele Carpenter
Reply
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