Daniel M. Kik

Entered his blessed eternity on Friday, August 2, 2024, at his home in Plainwell. 

Daniel was born August 31, 1953, in Kent City, the son of Donald Kik and Kathryn (Rider) Kik. He graduated from Sparta High School in 1971 and went on to attend Central Michigan University, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1975. Dan married Julie (Schamber) on June 24, 1989, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Conklin, and the couple have two sons. 

Although education was his curriculum, golf was his love. He went on to work in the golf industry for over 50 years at many different courses. Most notably, he worked as Grounds Superintendent at Thornapple Creek Golf Club in Kalamazoo for 20 years and he took a great deal of pride in the high standards to which the course was maintained. Even after his “retirement,” he could be found working around other golf courses or playing a round with any of his many friends. 

Dan was an athlete and played several sports in high school. Growing up he loved playing baseball and being coached by his dad as a youth. He enjoyed sharing stories with his family about his time playing for his father over the years. He would show his own love for his sons by volunteering as a coach for several of their teams throughout their childhood. 

Dan especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He and his wife wintered in Miramar Beach, Florida. The family will cherish memories of family trips, ball games, and simply spending time together at home. Anyone who knew Dan knew that he was the most loving father a family could ask for who always supported his sons in whatever choices they made. His friends knew him as someone they could always count on. 

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff, especially the nurses, at University of Michigan Cancer Center in Wyoming, who treated Dan with great care this year. 

Dan is survived by his wife, Julie, sons; Brandon (Samantha) Keyport Kik and Trevor Kik. Also surviving is his father Don, sisters; Karla (Phil) Lange, Sheri (Rich) Gauw, Jacki (Gene) Bolton, brother; Dave (Lucy) Kik, brother and sisters in law Joanne (Clay) Brown, Ken Schamber, Carl Schamber, Sharon (Kevin) Davis, and many nieces and nephews. 

Besides his beloved mother Kathryn, he was preceded in death by his brother Matthew Kik and grandmother Nellie Rider. 

Friends may meet with Dan’s family on Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 5-8 PM at the Winkel Funeral Home in Otsego. 

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 9th at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1379 Harding St. Conklin, MI. 

A private family burial will be held.

Contributions in memory of Dan may be made to First Tee West Michigan. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.