Daniel Visser

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Daniel Visser, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional dedication to his family. He poured his heart and soul into all that he did, and he faced challenges with a fierce spirit of determination. His solid work ethic formed the unshakeable foundation of his life, and he was devoted to caring for others in whatever ways he could. Deeply loved, Dan will be forever held close by those who knew him best.

The early 1950s were among the most influential years for the United States. The baby boom was underway following the end of WWII, and our nation became a country of 50 states with the addition of Alaska and Hawaii. It was during this exciting time that Simon and Caroline (Devries) Visser of Kalamazoo, Michigan, as they eagerly awaited the arrival of their firstborn child. On June 16, 1950, they were elated to welcome their son, Daniel, into the world.

Growing up, Dan was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home alongside his two younger brothers, Steve and Mark. The Visser brothers were very close, and they were known to get into their fair share of mischief. Dan’s family owned a construction business, Visser Construction, and throughout his childhood, they moved around the Kalamazoo area, living in custom homes they’d built themselves. Dan attended local schools, including Kalamazoo Christian High School. He very much enjoyed being social, and he built many lasting friendships during his time in high school. Dan graduated from Kalamazoo Christian, ready to move on to bigger and better things.

All who knew Dan can surely agree that, of all the things he loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. He was overjoyed to welcome his two children, Chad and Michele, into his heart. Though he worked long hours while balancing his career with his family, he always spent quality time with his children. The Visser family, including his late wife Anne, enjoyed many memorable vacations and cruises to warmer places around the world. Later in life, Dan was thrilled to become a grandfather as well. He adored his grandchildren and doted on them whenever he could. Dan always considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Daniel was never afraid to work hard when it came to providing for himself and those who depended on him. For a time, he worked as a self-employed excavator and carried those skills with him when he and his brother, Steve, eventually took over the family business. Dan prided himself on running Visser Construction with honor and integrity. He treated employees and customers with kindness and dignity, and he offered only the best service to everyone. Over the years, Dan led the company to develop and build many properties and homes in the area. Under his direction, Visser Construction earned a strong reputation, and after Dan retired in 2012, the company passed into the capable hands of Dan’s son, Chad, and his nephew, Jeff. However, Dan still remained with his pulse on the business.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Dan as he reconnected with his friend, Sue Ellis, the woman who would go on to become his loving companion. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Daniel and Sue were married on October 5, 2009. Throughout their happy years as husband and wife, the two enjoyed cruises and time in Florida and Maui.

Never one to sit still for long, Dan pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He was an avid fan of both the Detroit Lions and Tigers, and he was known for his sweet tooth. Dan loved spending his down time at Lake Michigan, riding around his Belle Meade neighborhood in his golf cart & eating hot dogs at the Root Beer Stand in Kalamazoo. He wasn’t usually one to speak his mind, preferring instead to quietly observe others and learn from what he saw. Dan’s cocktail of choice was Captain Morgan and Sprite. He found joy in many things, but he was always happiest when he was able to care for his loved ones.

As family and friends can certainly attest, Daniel Visser truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength for those around him, even in the most difficult of times. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather not only to his family but Sue’s family as well. Dan was a friend to many and beloved by all. His greatest priority was building personal and lasting relationships with others, and he was a shining example of generosity and hard work. Though he will be deeply missed, Dan leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Dan Visser of Texas Township died on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at his home. He is survived by his wife Sue, two children: Chad (Jaimie) Visser and Michele (Sam) Krygier; nine grandchildren: Jackson, Tessa, Beckett, Josie, Alexa, Kolton, Cameron, Abigail, and Madyson; Sue’s daughter Tamara McLoughlin; and two brothers: Steve (Lynn) and Mark (Pam) Visser, and a brother-in-law, Steve (Julie) Ellis. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne, of 24 years, and Sue’s daughter, Lindsey Hoffman.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks and stories will be shared on Thursday, August 22 from 5-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Celebrate Dan’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.