Daniel Paul Peterson

Daniel Paul Peterson, age 81, of Durand, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in the comfort of his home.

Daniel was born July 18, 1944, in Duluth, Minnesota, to the late David Peterson and Bertha Kroll. After his father's passing, he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Edward Kroll. He married his first wife, Diane Shearer, and together they had two sons, David and Darrin. On July 17, 1971, Daniel married his true love, Pamela Beckwith, in Flint, Michigan. They shared 51 wonderful years of marriage before her passing on December 14, 2023.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and continued to serve in the Army Reserves for seven years. Following his military service, Daniel worked at General Motors for 36 years as an assembly line pin setter.

Daniel had a great love for life's simple joys. He enjoyed playing games, especially Scrabble and Six Dice, and he was known for telling jokes, listening to music on his old 8-track player, and watching game shows. He treasured his time watching Hallmark movies with his daughter, Christy, and had a notorious sweet tooth, often sneaking desserts to his grandchildren when their parents weren't looking. He loved his coffee and, above all, cherished his beloved Pam, whom he spoiled endlessly and lovingly referred to as his "princess."

Faith and family were central to Daniel's life. He was a devout member of the Durand Church of the Nazarene and often traveled back to Minnesota to visit his siblings. An animal lover at heart, Daniel always had dogs and never hesitated to feed and care for stray cats.

He is survived by his children, Lori (Jay) Tripple, David (Denise) Peterson, Darrin (Nancy) Peterson, Bill Taylor, Tonya (Scott) Cornell, Christy Gross, and Barry Gross; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela; his parents, David Peterson and Bertha (Kroll) Peterson; his stepfather, Edward Kroll; his siblings, David Peterson, Shirley Specht, and Sharon Manz; children, Rhonda, Allen, and Phillip Trevarrow; grandchildren, Diane Peterson, Angela Maine, and Melissa Wykes; and great-grandson, Johnny McIntyre.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Durand Chapel, with Pastor John Walworth officiating. Family will receive friends on Thursday, October 2, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and again on Friday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service. Burial will take place on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 12:30 PM at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made in Daniel's name to Gentiva Hospice or Kennedy Care.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.WatkinsFuneralHomes.com.