Traverse City, Michigan - Donald F. Daniels, 90, passed away on Wednesday, August 26 with his family by his side.

Don was born on October 11, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from St. Stanislaus High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard DD-519, the USS Daly, doing extended cruises and NATO exercises in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Canary Islands.

Don returned to Detroit after his Navy service where his met his wife, Carole, at the Dakota Inn. He spotted her while out bowling with friends and overheard her talking with them about where to go next. He went home to change into a shirt and tie, then headed to the Dakota Inn in hopes of finding her. He did - and exactly one year later, on November 9, 1963, they were married.

Don was a precision grinder in the machine tool industry often working extensive overtime. He spent most of his career at a single machine tool shop in Warren, MI where he survived multiple rounds of layoffs and changes in ownership. In the final stretch of his career, he worked midnights, putting in 60 hours the week before he retired.

Don was a devoted husband and dedicated father and grandfather. Even while working long hours, he and Carole made a point of having dinner together as a family every night and he carved out special time for his children. There were "mystery rides" that ended at Alinosi's for ice cream and trips to Caseville that always included a stop for burgers at Walt's. All of that overtime also allowed his kids to graduate from college debt-free - a lasting expression of how deeply he cared for his family.

Despite growing up in the city, Don loved the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and member of the Michigan Steelheaders. He enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.

In retirement, Don and Carole returned to her family home in Traverse City where he cultivated a picture-perfect lawn and hosta garden and devoted himself to a lifetime of learning. He became proficient with computers and avidly followed business and financial news. More recently, with audio books for the blind from the Traverse Area District Library, he immersed himself in learning everything he could about AI.

Don also cherished time with his grandchildren, taking them to see the ducks in Traverse City and hunting for shark's teeth in Florida, as well as time with extended family and high school friends who had also relocated to northern Michigan.

Don is survived by his daughter Karen (Kurt) Ruedisueli; son Michael; grandchildren Gage, Kailyn, and Grace Daniels and Kate and John Ruedisueli; in-laws Terry (Patti) Riley, John Riley, Kathy (Robert) Nadai; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his devoted wife Carole, his parents, Clara and Frank Daniels, and brother Tom Daniels.

Don's family would like to extend special thanks to the caregivers at Orchard Creek Senior Living for their exceptional compassion and care.

A Funeral Service honoring Don will take place at 11 am, with visitation starting at 10 am, on Monday, August 31, 2026 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Burial will follow in Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery.

Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Navy, Cherryland VFW Post 2780 and American Legion Post 35.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to The Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings St., Traverse City, Michigan 49686.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Don's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.