Daniel Frank Sougstad

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel Frank Sougstad, age 88, who has entered God's loving embrace. Dan was born on December 14, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Amun and Therese Sougstad. His journey was not always easy, but his legacy is one of loyalty, support, and selflessness. He was a no-nonsense man, dedicated to success, who assumed the role of family patriarch at a young age. Dan was often called upon to assist his mother in caring for his sister, who was ten years younger, as his father frequently traveled for weeks at a time, working as an electrician servicing rural Wisconsin farms.
Dan took immense pride in his educational accomplishments, personally funding his way through school to earn two bachelor's degrees from the University of Wisconsin. He encouraged academic pursuits among his children and grandchildren. He reflected on this period of his life with great fondness and joy.
His love for travel took him and his faithful wife, Mary, across the globe. Together they experienced the most fantastic adventures including the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. After dedicating over 42 years of hard work and advancing through several promotions at General Motors Proving Grounds, Dan retired-but he remained active. He continued to travel, including a meaningful journey tracing the life of Jesus in Israel with members of his church community. He also volunteered at local food banks, participated in events sponsored by the Knights of Columbus as a Fourth Degree Knight, worked part-time as an usher for University of Michigan events, and enjoyed tinkering around his yard.
However, Dan's greatest passion was undoubtedly his grandchildren. His proudest role was providing support and opportunities for his granddaughters. His face lit up when they visited-often sharing a meal or playing a game together. His smile was never brighter than when listening to their updates on their own pursuits of education and jobs as they forge their own life paths.
He is survived by his children, Tom and Mary Jo, and his grandchildren, Danny, Sierra, and Sage.
Dan's legacy is one of integrity, dedication, and perseverance. His role as a family man stood at the forefront of his life, and he provided unwavering support in times of need. A man of few words, he was always present. His unconditional love brought comfort to his family. As we say goodbye, we honor a man whose life reflected faith, resilience, and strong spirit. It was an honor to assist in the care of my dad in the last few years of his life. There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to be Dan's family. May he find peace in God's loving embrace and finally reunite with his devoted wife, Mary.