Danielle L. Dutcher Baughman

Danielle Lynn Dutcher Baughman, 41 of Kalamazoo, and formerly of Gaylord, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on, Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at home surrounded by her family.

Born in Traverse City, MI on December 21, 1980, she was the daughter of Jeffrey and Jody (Wood) Dutcher.

In 1999, Danielle graduated from Gaylord High School.  Throughout her time, she found a passion for running.  Danielle’s natural gift for running was powered by passion and grit, developed through her experiences with her dad as a running partner, coaches and teammates. Her passion and strength for running mirrored her constant battle with cancer.  Danielle is running in heaven, pain free. After high school, she attended Taylor University in Upland, Indiana and then went onto cosmetology school, obtaining her license.

Danielle was blessed with a baby girl in 2004. Her daughter Hailey was the sunshine of her life.  She has made her mom so proud by being a competitive swimmer at Kalamazoo College. Hailey is focusing on studying biochemistry and wants to care for people the way her mom cared for others. Danielle went on to marry the love of her life, Frank. They were married on December 5, 2008, in Kalamazoo, Mi. Together, they created a beautiful and intentional life. For many years, Danielle worked as the Human Resource Manager at The Air Zoo in Kalamazoo. This was more than a job; they were an extension of her family.

She is survived by her husband, Frank; daughter, Hailey; parents, Jeff and Jody Dutcher; sisters and brother, Alissa (Adam) VanOosten, Kayla (Aaron) Tillman and Kurtis (Marley) Dutcher; nieces and nephews, Kane, Khloe, Brayden, Adalyn, Landon, Mac and soon to be born; Lilly Danielle; grandparents, Donald and Charlene Wood and Ellen and AJ Fogel.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Eldon and Virginia Dutcher.

Danielle’s celebration of life and joyous homecoming service will take place at 4:00 PM Sunday, November 20, 2022, at Gaylord E-Free Church. The family will visit with friends beginning at 3:00 PM. The family’s hope is to truly celebrate the bright light that Danielle has brought to so many.  Please do not feel that wearing black is necessary for her homecoming celebration.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Frank Baughman, C/O: Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, P.O. Box 249, Gaylord MI 49734.  The family would like to donate a portion of the giving to the non-profit organization that was so close to her heart; the Air Zoo, and also to support her daughter’s Journey through college.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on her guestbook below.