Daniel Schrauben

Daniel Schrauben, 76, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, died peacefully from glioblastoma on the morning of June 25, 2025.
Dan was born in St. Johns, Michigan to Maurice and Doris (Potter) Schrauben. His family moved to Orleans, Michigan when Dan was five years old, where they ran an apple orchard. He was an honors student and gifted athlete, participating in track, basketball, and football. He played football at Michigan Technological University and was a member of the Theta Tau fraternity, graduating in 1971 with a degree in civil engineering.
Dan met the love of his life, Barbara, in 1972 at the Grotto dance club in Grand Rapids. He was not the only Dan to ask for her phone number that night, but "the Dan who didn't own two motorcycles" persisted and was the one who made the lasting impression. They were married on June 1, 1974, and enjoyed 51 years of marriage together.
Dan and Barb had three sons, Andrew, Eric, and Ryan. They meant the world to him. In 1986 the family moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to the home where Dan and Barb have lived for nearly 40 years.
He spent the majority of his career as a civil engineer. In 1992, Dan started his own engineering firm, Equinox Inc. After a successful career in land development, he worked as an energy auditor during his retirement years.
Dan found joy in many things in his life-long bike rides through the countryside, bird watching, hiking and tending to "the pasture" land he grew up on, clever/witty/punny quips (at least 10% of which were genuinely funny!), racquetball, friendly chatting with nearly anyone he might meet, adventures with groundhog and raccoon traps (which could inadvertently double as skunk traps), only to name a few. Undoubtedly one of his favorite joys was his six grandchildren-Claire, Henry, Calvin, Roger, Anna, and Martin. He treasured his time with them and loved being their Papa/Grandpa. He was often overheard telling his doctors or nurses that "the best medicine is grandchildren."
Dan will always be remembered for his cheerful demeanor, his funny comments, and his enjoyment of the outdoors and of any physical activity, among many other things. While his passing leaves us feeling "lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut," we cherish the time we had with him and miss him dearly. His memory will live in the hearts of all those who knew him and loved him.
Dan is survived by his wife, Barbara (Takus); sons, Andrew (Amanda), Eric (Julie), Ryan (Megan); six grandchildren; sister, Mary Nugent; sisters-in-law, Therese Schrauben, Cheryl Googins, Diane Johnson, Gail Christopoulos; brother-in-law, David (Kellie) Takus; along with many other dear relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert and Thomas; parents-in-law, Art and Shari Takus; and brothers-in-law, Dennis Nugent and Jeffrey Takus.
A memorial service will be held at Nie Family Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor, on Saturday, August 2, at 10:30 am, with a gathering the night before, Friday, August 1, 2025, from 5:00 until 8:00 pm.