Daniel Cornelius “Dan” Van Heest, 63, of Rothbury, passed away from natural causes, Saturday, December 9, 2023.  The son of Dirk (late) and Trudy Van Heest, formerly of Spring Lake.

Dan was an alumnus of Western Michigan Christian School.  He obtained an A.A.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology and B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering from Ferris State College.  Dan also earned an A.A.S in Machining from Muskegon Community College. He was an exceptional Machine Designer for many local companies.  Dan was well known for his unique, robust, cost-effective solutions to difficult problems. 

Dan enjoyed a life-long passion for riding, repairing, and restoration of motorcycles.  He created the popular You-Tube channel, “A Motorcycle Nut.” 

Dan is mostly known for generously giving his time and talents to help those who needed a hand.  He was always willing to offer advice and tell it to you straight.  Strangers became friends; friends and their sons became comrades and brothers.  Together they would fix their dirt bikes, camp, fish, hunt, and drink coffee.

Dan’s ability to empathize, share life’s difficulties, and exchange ideas gave him the ability to be compassionate and provide encouragement, and lead persons to his savior, the LORD Jesus Christ.

Dan is survived by: his mother; siblings; Christina Weber, Jack Van Heest, and Leonard Van Heest; his adult children, Benjamin and Mina; stepchildren, Tabatha and Jessica; many of his life-long and dear friends, and their children, who are considered extended family.

A celebration of Dan’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the Blue Lake Community Church, 10981 Blue Lake Road, Holton, Michigan 49425.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blue Lake Community Church, www.bluelakecommunitychurch.com/donate.

The Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is handling arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com