Daniel Hengstebeck

With heavy hearts we announce the sudden death of Daniel James Hengstebeck, age 56, of Dimondale, Michigan on Monday, December 23rd from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Daniel (Dan) was born in Lansing, MI on September 5, 1968 and lived the majority of his life in the surrounding area, graduating from Lansing Eastern High School. Growing up, he was a member at First Presbyterian Church and spent many summers attending Camp Greenwood, where he made lifelong friends. Dan spent much of his childhood riding his BMX bike hundreds of miles around the neighborhood in constant search for the next adventure. After graduation, he continued his adventures living in Alaska, California and Colorado, but eventually returned to Michigan to be closer to family.

He held several jobs over the years, but the common thread always included driving, whether it be delivery service in his car or long-haul semi-trucks. He loved his Toyotas and Jeeps, big equipment, big trucks, and all things mechanical. He loved any kind of off-roading, whether on snow, sand or dirt trails. Known for his sharp wit and sense of humor, Dan was also famous for his lengthy phone calls while on the road. Above all else, he loved his children dearly.

Dan is survived by his former wife, Elizabeth Hengstebeck; their children Pearson Hengstebeck, Daphne Hengstebeck, and Thatcher Hengstebeck; his father James E. Hengstebeck; siblings Michael (Kathy) Hengstebeck and Juliann (Scott) Hawks; nieces Kailey (Brendan) Schrauben, Mallory Hawks, Ava Hawks, Allie Marshall, Tori Deschepper; nephew Nick Marshall; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother JoAnn Hengstebeck and grandparents Marion Hetrick and Lorraine and Edward Hengstebeck.

There will be no public service. His family and close friends will gather this summer at one of his favorite places, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, to celebrate his life.