Dan J. Albertson
August 22, 1935 – April 19, 2020
Dan’s wishes were to be cremated and his remains be returned to his farm, Dandy Acres. A celebration of Dan’s Life or “one last party” as he put it, will be hosted at his farm at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
On Sunday April 19, 2020, God called home Dan James Albertson, 84 years old, of Plainwell MI. He was the BEST Dad, Husband, Grandpa and friend anyone could ask for. Dan was the salt of the earth, gritty and resilient. His heart laid in the land. Dan spent his lifetime farming alongside his wife Bonnie Albertson of sixty-three years on their farm called Dandy Acres, in Plainwell MI. Together they raised three children, Mark Albertson (Kathryn Verploegh) of Rockford MI, Brian Albertson of Pahrump NV and Dana Albertson (Dave Stowell) of Plainwell MI. He was proud of his five grandchildren, Michelle (Albertson) Petrusma, Garrett Albertson, Dan Stowell, Jeremy Albertson, Drew Stowell, and 3 great grandchildren. Dan loved farming and watching things grow. He loved his family and friends. He loved the outdoors. He loved his hunting trips to the Upper Peninsula in Victoria MI with the guys. He loved boating the Great Lakes with his wife by his side on his boat, The Bullship. He loved grooming the hills at Timber Ridge Ski Area in Gobles, MI, and making snow for the skiers. He worked there for 30 years while mother earth was dormant for the winter. He was once referred to in a Kalamazoo Gazette article as “The original snowman”! He was inducted into the Farmers Hall of Fame in 2008. He enjoyed the weekly “boy’s night” gatherings with the crew! He enjoyed life and loved a gathering of friends more than most. If ever there was someone in need of a hand, Dan was there to help in anyway. Dan was a fun, adventurous man who lived life with an adventure around every corner, his wife, family or friends by his side. His stories of his adventures, his sense of humor, his laughter from down deep inside his soul, the twinkle that gleamed in his eyes and that wide devilish grin will be forever missed by all that knew him. BUT…. those are the things that we will love and remember about our fierce leader of the Albertson family.
Miss you already.
Albertson family my love and prayers are with you all. My all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
A great part of my life was shaped by the 4 individuals in this picture. While spending summers, weekends, any free time that I could out at Uncle Loren and Aunt Dorothy’s farm I became friends with Dana. Very soon I was spending as much time as I could at Dandy Acres, because that’s where all the activity was. I was lucky to ‘ride along’ with Brian, Mark, Dana and Dan on the tractor fender on our way to do something ‘exciting’ and meaningful many, many times. I truly cherish each and every one of those moments. Thank you. Dan was an expert problem solver, in my eyes there wasn’t much that could stand in the way of Dan, the cutting torch and welder. He always found a way to make it happen. Dan gave me my first real job, helping out around the farm with the various chores, driving a tractor with whatever implement or field needed the work. I will always remember my first ‘paycheck.’ Dan said “Hey, I appreciate the work you have done and want to settle up with you.” he pointed at a gravity wagon that was sitting in the driveway. He said, “grab a tractor, hook on to that wagon and go down to D&H and sell that load in your name.” As a 10 or 11 year old I was nervous about that and must have hesitated. Dan just said “You can do it” and went back to whatever he was doing. In the time that followed Dan taught me how to use practically every piece of equipment on the farm – with the exception of the corn planter and combine. I became an expert “backer-upper” during my time on the farm, and could readily drive a stick shift or whatever it had. If I didn’t know how to do it, Dan would show me. Often, I was the youngest and smallest guy on the summer hay crew. Apparently Dan didn’t have a problem with this. The highschool football players would cringe when they saw a 6th grader drive the tractor, hay baler and last load in the driveway at the end of a hot day. Speaking of hot days, there were many – Dan always made sure there was Mt Dew stocked in the shop fridge for me. Many meals either at the Albertson home or on the tailgate of Dan’s truck.. Thanks to Bonnie for making that happen! That experience was something you will never get out of a book.. Thank you Dan Albertson, you are a great man! — Rest easy my friend.
So sorry for your loss.
I could always count on a smile, a kind word or a funny story from my dear Uncle Dan. A truly one of a kind man who will be missed forever by all who knew him. Sending love to my cousins Mark, Brian and Dana, and to my Aunt Bonnie.
Thank you Dan for giving me a lifetime of memories and Luke many as well. You always have been one of the most kind, thoughtful, caring man we’ve known. Some of our best memories come from your house! The pool… the cookouts.. the garage when it rained! And of course, beers out at Timber Ridge! Healing thoughts are sent to Bonnie, Dana, Mark, Brian and their families….