Dan Charles Pell

Dan Charles Pell, a resident of Plainwell, MI, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the age of 82. He was born on March 9, 1941, to Ronald and Ruth (Hearnshaw) Pell. 

As a child Dan enjoyed racing boats on Pine Lake during summers with his loved ones that held a special place in his heart. He spent every summer out at the family cottage and his dad would commute back to Plainwell to work at the Cannery.

Dan was a remarkable athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and track. His exceptional skills led to his induction into the Plainwell High School Hall of Fame Class of 1959 on March 6, 1998. Following his high school years, Dan received a football scholarship to Kalamazoo College, where he played for three years before joining the Army. 

Stationed at a missile site near Gruenstadt, Germany, he married the love of his life, Ann Meyle, on January 15, 1965. The adventurous couple embarked on a European journey, exploring the continent on a tight budget of $5 a day in their $250 Volkswagen Bug. 

Upon returning to Plainwell, Dan pursued a career as an electrician and became a proud father to two sons. Known for his resourcefulness, Dan undertook various projects, but he took particular pride in constructing a mortise and pegs barn entirely by hand, using lumber salvaged from a dismantled barn. Everyone liked Dan, he was quiet, always had a smile on his face and never had an unpleasant word for anyone. 

Dan helped sons Jack and Jim with their athletic careers, playing basketball in the driveway, throwing the football around the backyard, and baseball catching while Jack practiced pitching and Jim worked on his swing.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved granddaughter, Cassaundra Lynn Pell. He is survived by his wife, Ann; sons, Jack (Susan) Pell and James (Amy) Pell; grandson, Grant; granddaughters, Hope, Brooke, and Maya Pell; step-grandson, Larry (Mariah) Fitch; step-granddaughter, Brinklee (Adrian) Davis; step great-grandchildren, brother, Norm (Carole) Pell, and his constant companion, his dog, Sunshine. 

In Dan's memory, donations may be made to the ASPCA or Wings of Hope Hospice Care. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

As per the family's request, a celebration of Dan's life will be held at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080, on Friday, July 21, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Cremation has already taken place.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Dan’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Pell family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080. 269-685-5881.