Daniel Lee Deering

Daniel L. Deering, 84, of Traverse City, Michigan passed away on March 15, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Born on August 28, 1934 in Traverse City, Dan was the son of Thomas and Eva (Satter) Deering. He grew up in Traverse City, attending Immaculate Conception Grade School, Traverse City High School and Northwestern Michigan College. Dan held a deep respect for our Country and served in the U.S. Army in the mid-50’s. He was stationed in Germany. Upon return, having worked throughout his youth side-by-side with his Father at the original Tom’s Food Market on Eleventh Street, Dan was fully committed to the ongoing success of the business. The operation and growth of Tom’s Food Markets was truly his passion. Dan also served on the Spartan Stores Board of Directors for over 30 years. Strong and unassuming, Dan had great faith and lived with gratitude. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, attending mass regularly. Dan was one of the founders of the Father Fred Foundation. Dan supported the greater Grand Traverse Community and contributed generously – many times anonymously. He focused on lasting, meaningful ways to enrich the lives of children. He believed in supporting our local economy – among other ways by purchasing from the area’s local farmers and producers whenever possible. Dan had a deep appreciation for our cherry industry and enjoyed taking part, not only with sponsorship, but also participating with his 1930 Chevrolet Huckster, most recently driven by him in the 2018 Cherry Festival Heritage Parade with his daughters, Jane and Christy. Dan and his loving wife of 35 years, Vicki, enjoyed working together at Tom’s, traveling, boating, many motorhome trips, spending time at their Empire farm home and daily walks. In recent years, they loved spending the winter months at their Tennessee home. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. Dan is survived by his wife, Vicki Deering. Also his five daughters: Christine (Larry) Kuhnke, Jane (Matthew) Zimmerman, Nancy (Ed) Sands, Carolyn (Tobin) Decker and Michelle (Ian) Sterling, as well as eight grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, a sister Evelyn (Howard) Sweitzer, two nieces and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, John Deering and an infant sister, Ellyn Deering. Also surviving are Vicki’s four children: Roxanne Fall (John) Haskin, Holly (Vaughn) Hincks, Douglas Fall and Richard Braden, along with their children and grandchildren. Memorial services will be officiated by Father Anthony Citro and are scheduled as follows: Visitation with Family on Thursday, July 18th from 5-7pm at the new Immaculate Conception Elementary School Dining Hall. A Catholic Rosary will immediately follow at 7pm at Immaculate Conception Church. Visitation is also scheduled for 10-11am on Friday, July 19th at Immaculate Conception Church with a Funeral Mass immediately following at 11am. Burial will be at Memorial Gardens as a private family service. Arrangements have been provided by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools or TART Trails.