Daniel Huffman

Watson, MI

Daniel D. Huffman, age 77 of Watson, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, June 28, 2024 at UP Health Systems in Marquette.

Daniel was born April 16, 1947 in Lansing, MI the son of Daniel B and Helen (Wicks) Huffman. He attended and graduated from Haslett High School in 1965.

  While growing up in Haslett, Michigan, Daniel stated that his favorite childhood memories involved hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He also enjoyed playing a multitude of sports during his youth, especially baseball. While at Haslett High School he excelled in baseball as a catcher and football as an offensive lineman.

After attending Lansing Community College for about a year, Dan was drafted into the United States  Army during the conflict in Vietnam. Dan served a tour in Vietnam as an infantryman in the 9th Division. For his service in Vietnam he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 60 Device, Vietnam Unit Citation, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and Bronze Star Medal.

Upon returning to Lansing following his tour in Vietnam Dan followed his wild heart and moved north to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. His occupations ranged from working for the federal government in the Army National Guard to sporting goods sales specializing in hunting and fishing. His favorite job was as a hunting guide in the beautiful forests of the Upper Peninsula. His travels took him all over the world from China to Vietnam to Europe to Northern Alberta, Canada, Australia and New Mexico but Dan was most at home in the woods of the Upper Peninsula. He always preferred his favorite activities be done in the setting of nature. Whether it was hunting, fishing, sighting in guns or just having a coffee clutch with the people he loved, being surrounded by fresh air and trees was a must.

Dan would be the first to tell you that he did not hunt for the antlers but he was very proud of the 19 point buck  he bagged in 1985. His children loved seeing their Dad on the television show Discovering with Buck LeVasseur and on PBS’s “Michigan Big Buck Night”.  He was extremely proud of his four children and his grandchildren. He never missed a game, match or music event if he could help it. His children are going to miss hearing his dadisms such as “how old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were” or “I’ll hit you so hard you’ll quiver like a ten penny nail hit with a greasy ball pein hammer”. Of course his boys will never forget being told many times just prior to going out on the weekends, “Remember, No drinking, no drugs and no woman.”

Dan was always kind and generous to his family, friends and to anyone in need who crossed his path. He was a favorite of waitresses, baristas and health care workers for his friendly and insightful conversations. Even while struggling with his own health issues Dan always offered a loving, kind and oftentimes humorous presence to those he came in contact with.

Dan was a spiritual man who had Jesus at the reigns of his heart and soul. He lived life with an eternal perspective that was consistent with a confident belief in God’s promises.

In addition to his loving wife Shuxiang, Daniel is survived by:

Children: Daniel Huffman, Jeremy Huffman, Heather (Marc) Casadei, Josh (Kathy) Huffman and Sissi (TJ) Thomas.

Brother: Rodney (Debbie) Huffman

Grandchildren: Thomas, Ian, Brayden, Zachary, Brianna, Gracie and Isla.

Nieces: Jamie (Huffman) Sivak and Stacie (Huffman) Burns

The mother of his children: Theresa Huffman

Daniel was preceded in death by his Parents Daniel B Huffman and Helen Fawn Huffman.

Family will hold a celebration of life in August with more details to come.