Daniel Warren Altenburg, 91, of South Haven, Mich. passed away on April 9, 2026. He was a kind and gentle man born in South Haven on Dec. 21, 1934 to the late Clayton E. and Grace E. (Swan) Altenburg.

Other than traveling 20 years with the military, he lived his entire life on the family farm in Casco, in the house he was born in.

Per Dan's request there will be no service. Burial of his cremains will take place privately later in McDowell Cemetery.

After graduating from South Haven High School, Daniel voluntarily joined the United States Navy during the Korean War. After four years of service, he was honorably discharged from the Navy. A year later he re-enlisted, this time in the United States Air Force and served for a total of 20 years in the military, including a one-year tour in Phu cat, Vietnam (1968-1969).

After retirement from the Air Force, he moved back to his hometown of South Haven where he taught himself to make jewelry while earning an Associate in Arts degree from Lake Michigan College. After 10 years of selling jewelry at art shows he opened The Perfect Setting Jewelry store in Old Harbor Village in South Haven, where he continued to make jewelry until his passing.

On Dec. 26, 1953, in Kendall, he married his high school sweetheart Signa (Becky) Elizabeth Watkin. They were married 65 years until her death in 2019. Together they had four children, Shelley Jane (Jeffrey) Hollis, Phillip Michael Altenburg, Tracey Ellen (Peter Noirot) Altenburg and Lisa Renee' Nahin.

Also surviving are three grandchildren, Bryan (Brittany) Heisler, Rebecca (Ben Schrot) Nahin, and Erin (Ryan) O'Neil, four great-grandchildren, Makenna, Emma, James, Emmarie and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Eric Heisler and two sisters, Viriginia Carter and Audrey Sherman.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army in honor of Daniel.

Those wishing to share a memory of Daniel online may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by South Haven Tribune on Apr. 16, 2026.

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Steve and Donna

April 13, 2026

May he rise in glory!
What a gracious man, who served his country many years, and knew the simple things in life we all seek.
So grateful to have some of his finest work. Prayers of comfort to the Family.

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1076 S Bailey Ave, South Haven, MI 49090

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