Daniel "Dan" Duchon, 78, passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of faith, entrepreneurship, community leadership, a "walking encyclopedia" of properties and people and deep devotion to those he loved most. Dan was a proud graduate of Manistee Catholic Central, Class of 1965. After graduation he attended Northwestern Michigan College.

On February 26, 1982, Dan married the love of his life, his beautiful "little Dutch girl," Judy VanSickle. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. Judy stood beside Dan in every venture, fully supporting his dreams and ambitions.

Dan was the proud father of four children: Shelly (Kenn) Kott, Renee (Garvin) Yorton, Erica (Michael) Thurman, and Christopher (Lindsey) Duchon. He often said there was no greater accomplishment than his family. He was blessed with eleven grandchildren — Kenny (Carmen) Kott, Kevin (Emma) Kott, Emilee Kott (fiancé Danny Sully), Natalee Kott, Kaden Kott, Branda (Kevin) Peck, Garrett (Brittney) Yorton, Olivia (Quinton) Wolf, Audrey Thurman, Allison Thurman, and Kyler Duchon. Six great grandchildren, Kieran & Rowen Peck, Mallory & Madison Kott, and Samuel and Gianna Wolf.

A lifelong Manistee resident and entrepreneur, Dan spent more than 45 years in the insurance business. He founded Duchon Insurance Agency. His vision and drive extended beyond insurance. He founded DuQuick one hour photo in 1984, co-founded Duchon Travel Agency in 1991.

Dan's commitment and leadership to Manistee was central to Dan's life.

A Life Member of the Knights of Columbus where he held numerous leadership roles and was instrumental in building the "new" K of C Hall in 1973. He was deeply involved in Junior Achievement, earning recognition for national leadership.

He guided students through the Strive mentoring program earning a reputation as a passionate mentor.

Dan dedicated more than eight years on the Manistee Area Public Schools Board, including terms as President and Vice President. He was a founder and Charter President of the Manistee Sunrise Rotary Club and active with Little League, Manistee Jaycees, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Elks Club, American Legion, Manistee Saints Baseball Club, and United Way.

A lifelong member of St. Joseph/Divine Mercy Parish, Dan's faith was central to who he was. He served as the charter president of the St. Joseph Men's Club and remained active in parish life for decades. His volunteer work at Mount Carmel Cemetery, community projects, and fundraising efforts left a lasting imprint across Manistee.

Sports were a lifelong passion. He had an unmistakable love of Detroit sports and the Old English "D." Dan was a devoted Detroit Tigers fan and loyal Detroit Lions supporter attending hundreds of games and cherished his time at Detroit Tigers Fantasy Camp.

Nothing brought him more pride than watching his family grow, compete and succeed. He traveled countless miles to events, tournaments and championships always with a smile.

Preceded in death by his father, Stephen T. Duchon and mother Marian F. Duchon. Grandparents John & Mary Duchon, Michael & Blanche Kaminski. Brother-in-law David Rozmarek.

He is survived by his wife Judy; His brothers, Jerry (Linda), Steve (Janet), and Allan (Amy) Duchon; his sisters, Mary Lou Rozmarek and Sue (Jim) Espvik; Brother-in-law, Ken VanSickle; Sister-in-law Cindy (Mark) Eckhardt. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a circle of lifelong friends who met weekly and remained by his side through the years.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee with Reverend James Bearss celebrant. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee.

Relatives and friends will pray the Evening Vigil Service at 8:00 p.m. on Monday evening, February 23, 2026, at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee, where the family will receive friends on Monday evening, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Daniel will be taken to the church, on Tuesday morning to lie-in-state from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his funeral mass at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Dan requested that donations be made to the Divine Mercy Men's Club.

Dan also encouraged guests to honor his spirit by wearing Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, or Michigan State attire to both the visitation and funeral service as a tribute to the teams he loved and cheered for faithfully.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.