Rev. Daniel "Dan" Ernest Deutsch

The Rev. Daniel E. Deutsch died peacefully at home on September 16, 2024. Daniel was born in Chicago, IL, on September 21, 1942, to Fred and Erna Deutsch. He grew up as a Boston Red Sox fan in Cranston, RI and moved to the Midwest to attend Valparaiso University, where he met Mary Lou Jordan. They were married in June 1964. Dan spent two years with Arthur Andersen in Detroit, but he soon felt called to ministry. His young family relocated to Springfield, IL, so he could attend Concordia Seminary. He was ordained into the Lutheran ministry in July 1970. In his 40 years of ministry, he loved the people he served in congregations in: Copperas Cove, TX; Ferguson, MO; Shaker Heights, OH; and Alpena, Leer, Presque Isle, and Traverse City, MI. In retirement, Dan enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren, playing euchre and bridge, reading, classical music, and travel, particularly on Viking Cruises.

He leaves behind Mary Lou, his wife of 60 years, and their four children: Elizabeth (Larry) Grimm of Fort Collins, CO; Stephen (Angela) of Fitchburg, WI; Andrew (Ildiko) of Avon, OH; and Rebekah (Clint) Douthitt of Traverse City, MI. He was blessed by six grandchildren: Dr. Meghan (Dr. Jake) Sawyer, Timothy Deutsch, Mira Deutsch, Caitlin Deutsch, Sarah Douthitt, and Daniel Douthitt, as well as a great-granddaughter, Lily Sawyer. Also surviving are his brother, William (Janine) Deutsch of North Kingston, RI and many extended family members.

Viewing will be at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Thursday, September 19th from 4-6PM . The funeral will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Friday, at 1:00PM with a visitation one hour prior. Private family interment will follow at Bingham Cemetery … BUT!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, or Trinity Lutheran Church.