Dan Martin, 72

Daniel Edmund Martin died on Friday, May 21, 2021 at the Cleveland Clinic following surgery for a double lung transplant. He was born on April 5, 1949 in DeKalb, IL to the late Edmund and Millie Martin. On November 26, 1971 he married Deborah Heinemann, who survives. Also surviving are: daughter, Kirstin M.(Jordan) Pierson, daughter Meghan E.(Matthew) Deemer, beloved grandchildren Lachlan Harlowe Pierson, Amelia Gwendolyn Prescott and Daniel Ryan Deemer. Dan is also survived by brothers D. Craig (Elizabeth), David(Cindy), Doug (Janet), and sister Mary (Tom) Yost. Also two uncles and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Following graduation from Sturgis High School in 1967, Dan graduated from the Coastal School of Deep Sea Diving in Oakland, CA. For 8 years in the 70’s, he worked in the commercial diving industry around the US and in the North Sea. Dan was a NAUI Scuba Diving Instructor for over 50 years. Upon his return to Sturgis he owned and operated Martin Products Company in Sturgis. Dan also owned the Sturgis Hot and Now for many years.
A voracious reader and lifelong adventurer, Dan loved adventure sports, even climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2001. He sailed his boat, the Craiglush, all over Lake Michigan.
In later years, he began hunting elk, deer, and birds with his Brittany, Angus. Dan loved his “Up North” condo and skiing at Nubs Nob with the family. He friended people everywhere he went with his quiet kindness, wise counsel, and endless experiences.
Dan often told his daughters and grandchildren to “Face their Fears.” Dan lived that mantra!
The family will have a private funeral service at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Sturgis, where Dan was confirmed and married. A memorial gathering will be on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 from 2pm to 5pm at the Elks Club, 66200 Grey Lake Rd, Sturgis for anyone who would like to greet the family. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to The Sturgis Foundation or the Salvation Army.
Obituary at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.