Danny C. Oleson: The Man, The Myth, The Legend. Our Beloved Hero, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Friend, has passed on to his next adventure. He will be greeted in Heaven by Our Lord and his Mother Betty Jean, stepfather Tom, sister Marilyn, brother Butch, sister-in-law Laurie, in-laws Bernice and Mike, brother-in-law John and sister-in-law Nancy. All are missed and we are taking comfort that they are all together. Friends and family lovingly knew him as Dan, Gunny or Uncle Buzz. At age 75, Dan left us unexpectedly on Thursday, February 9, 2023. Born in Wyandotte on September 16, 1947, into a family that wildly loved him. He was lucky enough to have 5 siblings: Butch, Bink, Jacquelyn, Marilyn and Tammy Sue. Dan graduated from Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, where he loved playing football and was a 3-time Varsity Letter winner at defensive tackle, #51. Dan began his 16-year career with the United States Marine Corp. and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged. While home on a 30-day leave, Dan married the love of his life Sharon Kabalka on February 24, 1968. Together they raised their four children: Danielle, Shannon, Ben and Jeni, who loves him unconditionally. Dan continued his career at FSU in HVAC until he retired in 2002. Always in motion, he wore many hats in his community. He was a 32-year volunteer for both the Big Rapids Township & City of Big Rapids Fire Department. He was a member and on the board of the Big Rapids AmVets Post 1941, Big Rapids American Legion Post 98, Civil War & World War II Reenactors, participated with the Wolfhounds helicopter air assault, lined the baseball fields for Big Rapids Little League, was a volunteer for the American Red Cross and blood donor for 24 years, and was a lifetime member of the NRA.Dan was an extremely intelligent man, an avid reader, loved challenging himself with tough crosswords, a great debater, a gunsmith, historian, hunter, enjoyed trips to the U.P., weekend shooting bashes at the house and his trips to Canada to fish. On his 60th birthday he jumped out of a WWII plane, twice, to earn his Wings. He also held a secret service position for a former President. After retirement Dan started up "Dan the Scrap Man" and spent much time at the AmVets, where he was known as Gunny, and was always willing to lend a hand cooking, doing maintenance and enjoying his friends. His beer bread will be missed. Of all Dans amazing life accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. He will be held tightly in the hearts of his Wife Sharon of nearly 55 years, his 4 children and their spouses: Danielle (Greg), Shannon (Drew), Ben (Tiffany), Jeni (Paul), his grandchildren Samuel, Bailey & Morgan, great grandson Rowan, son at heart Nathan and all of his nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law. Dan loved and was deeply loved by his family, had a commanding presence, and was respected by all who knew him.We are devastated and will miss this Man forever! We are so grateful to have had him for 75 years and will take what we have learned from him, into the next generation. We will Love our Hero forever!Memorial Services will take place 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Reverend Jeremy Wicks officiating. The family will greet friends two hours prior from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made in Dannys name to Big Rapids AmVets or Big Rapids Township Fire Department.Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family at daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Memorial ServiceSaturday, February 18, 20233:00 PMDaggett-Gilbert Funeral Home13985 Northland DriveBig Rapids,Michigan49307VisitationSaturday, February 18, 20231:00 PM - 3:00 PMDaggett-Gilbert Funeral Home13985 Northland DriveBig Rapids,Michigan49307