Daniel Louis Cheraz

Daniel L. Cheraz, 83, of Twentynine Palms, CA, died on June 28, 2025, after a short illness.

Born in Grosse Point, MI, Dan enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 17 and was sent to Southern California for training. An electronics specialist, he was stationed in Twentynine Palms in 1967. Dan retired as a Master Sergeant after 20 years, did a brief stint with a military contractor, and then joined the U.S. civil service and returned to his previous office aboard base, spending another two decades as a teacher and administrator before retiring again.

An outdoorsman, Dan enjoyed camping, off-roading, and hunting as well as target, skeet, and trap shooting. He was a lifelong motorcycle rider and only gave up his manual-shift sports car at age 82. Dan had quieter pursuits as well, including programming early home computers, woodworking, reading, and watching football. He was devoted to his wife; a patient and caring father and grandfather; a good-humored, loyal friend; and the big-hearted caretaker of many cats and dogs.

Dan is survived by his wife of 18 years, Martha Cheraz; his children and stepchildren Michilinda Cheraz Kinsey, John M. Cheraz, Juan Calderon, Elizabeth Calderon, Veronica Calderon, Alan Ringler, and Daniel Ringler; a grandson, John J. Kinsey; seven step-grand and great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Janet E. Halsey and John E. Cheraz.

Join the family for a celebration of Dan's life on Friday, July 18, at Wiefels Twentynine Palms, 6522 Desert Queen Ave. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., with a memorial service at 10:30 a.m.. A reception will follow from noon to 2pm at the Twentynine Palms Inn, 73950 Inn Ave. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org) or the Hanson House Foundation (hansonhouse.org).