Daniel George Goodearl

Daniel George Goodearl, 81, of Traverse City passed away on April 22, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Affectionately known as "Danta", Dan was born September 9, 1934 in Fargo, ND to George Percival Goodearl and Esther Rosetta Heidner. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1952 and was an alumna of Alma College, Class of 1956.

Dan was a Michigan History teacher in the Holly School System for 36 years and earned the title of "World's Most Patient Man" as a Driver Education teacher during summer months.
He was predeceased by his wife Janet Chadwick and a step-brother, James Bowker.
Dan is survived by his heartbroken wife Barbara, his sister Elizabeth Goodearl,
children Gregory (Tina) Goodearl, Laurie (Jim) Ferris, Carol (Temesgen) Goodearl, Scott (Ann) Rosenberg, Mark Rosenberg, Kae Beth Rosenberg

Grandchildren: Maggie McCarthy, Grace McCarthy, Beth (Chris) Anderson, Becky Goodearl, Hope Goodearl, Ariah Temesgen, Meagan Ferris, Alex (James) Ferris, Bobby (Betsie) Arnett, Michael (Amber) Rosenberg; Great Grandchildren: Cadence Anderson and Daniel Rosenberg and one Great Grandchild, due to arrive in November, "Poppy" Arnett.

Dan's great love was for anything that flew. Planes, although he got too airsick to become a pilot, were his passion. He also crewed for hot air balloon pilots in Holly, MI, Traverse City, MI and Albuquerque, NM. He made and flew kites whenever he could, and loved to see them over Grand Traverse Bay. He LOVED airplane noises. Music was another passion. Dan played the trombone in high school, and Kiltie Band at Alma. He directed the Holly Presbyterian Church choir for 30 years, and was a Barbershopper (Bass) in the Holly area, and with the Cherry Capital Chorus in Traverse City. He traveled the world with the Detroit based "Cantata Academy" vocal group.

Dan was an actor in community theater and that is where his wife Barbara first laid eyes on him in a tux with plaid handkerchief and cumberbund as he played the Psychiatrist in "Rumors". He played many roles through his career and was also the very BEST Santa in the world at the Grand Traverse Mall, which is when he acquired the nickname "Danta."
One of his lifelong dreams was fulfilled when Dan became a DJ on WNMC Radio playing Jazz for 10 years every Friday morning. He was also a master carver and whittled out an entire nativity scene to be enjoyed during the holidays.

One of the best things Dan especially loved were the "secret trips" Barbara would plan. She'd tell him when they were going, and what to pack. Off they would go to France for a riverboat trip, into Normandy, the Canadian Maritimes, Seattle and then a Princess Cruise.

Danta gave back to the community by volunteering at Munson Hospice House, Old Town Playhouse, Music House Museum, and Interlochen Public Radio.

The family would like to thank Munson Hospice, all the wonderful caregivers from "Just Like Family, LLC": Jen, Stevie, Monica, Brad, Kathie, Barb A., Marley, their dear friends who have been so supportive at Aged To Perfection, as well as the entire Old Town Playhouse family. Kyle Hamilton was a rock to guide us and Dr. Laura Hill was the most compassionate and present physician anyone could ever have.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations in Dan's memory to: The Old Town Playhouse, The Music House Museum, or Interlochen Public Radio.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 25, 2016 at 3 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 1 p.m.