Age 64, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2020 with his wife, Joyce and their beloved dog, Jak’s at his side. Dane was born in Elkhart, Indiana on June 22, 1955, the son of Donald and Marilyn Gronau. After graduating from Mattawan High School in 1973, Dane began a 42-year career with the former National Waterlift (now Parker Abex) in Kalamzoo, Michigan. He was married to Joyce Bilton on June 12, 1981 and they would have celebrated their 39th year of marriage this June. Dane was known for his bow and firearm skills in hunting both turkey and deer. He was an avid fisherman and was very good at it, as well. He and Joyce loved to travel and had been planning upcoming vacations together. One of his favorite ways to travel was on cruise ships and loved his trip to Alaska and he so enjoyed the helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. They created many wonderful memories together. His biggest joy, however, was playing with his grandchildren. Dane was a family man who considered family to be the most important thing in his life and he loved them all, dearly. He was most proud of his children, both of whom earned their engineering degree upon graduating from college. He was preceded in death by his Grandparents. He leaves to cherish his memory his own parents, Donald and Marilyn, his loving wife, Joyce, and their children, Dana (Nick) Hudeck and Andrew (Iris) Gronau. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Alexander Hudeck, Clara, Bennett and Jacob Gronau, as well as his brother, Derrick (Lilly) Gronau.