Daniel D. Vanderbrink Jr. Obituary
Daniel D. Vanderbrink Jr. Linwood, MichiganDaniel David Vanderbrink Jr., known affectionately as Dan or Danny, passed unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Linwood, Michigan, at the age of 56. Born on December 31, 1969, in Bay City, Michigan, to Daniel D. and Nancy L. (Rasmer) Vanderbrink Sr. he lived a life marked by love, laughter, creativity, and a deep devotion to the people and passions that mattered most to him.
He was a devoted husband to Nickole (Ellison) Vanderbrink and a proud father to Tabitha (Aaron) McPherson and David Torrez. He was also a cherished grandfather to Harmony Nickole McPherson, who brought him great joy. He is survived by his sisters, Tina Session and Beth (Steve) Aspell, many nieces and nephews, including Shanon (Thomas) VanTol, Alexandrya (Jayson) Lumsden, Karissa Goins, Mitchell Sessions, Joshua (Kelsey) Aspell, Jacob (Jessica) Aspell, Stacy (Kelvin) Mutungi, Savanneh Matuszewski, Jessie Ellison, Jacob Ellison, Opal Ellison, and Lance Jr. He also leaves behind many great-nieces and great-nephews, Liam, Kinsley, Kade, Brandon, Coulter, Cheyenne, David, Chase, and Lainey, who were all part of the family he loved so dearly. He is further survived by his sister-in-law, Samantha (Timothy) Matuszewski, and his brother-in-law, Lance Ellison. Dan was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Roger and Diane (Majchina) Ellison, and by his sister-in-law, Gina (Ellison) Chopp.
Dan attended Pinconning High School and graduated in 1988 before continuing his education at Delta College. He carried with him throughout life the values of hard work, loyalty, and determination. He was the proud co-owner of Pines Truck Accessories in Kawkawlin, where he poured his energy and commitment into his work and the people around him. His presence in business reflected the same qualities that defined his life at home and among friends, and he was respected for the care and dedication he brought to everything he did.
Those who knew Dan will remember him as loving, funny, and creative. He had a gift for making people smile and for bringing warmth and humor into any room he entered. Music was one of his greatest joys, and he loved to play guitar and listen to all genres of music. His love of music began early, even as a young boy when he played on rubber bands, showing the spark of creativity that stayed with him throughout his life. He found happiness in the simple and meaningful moments of family life, especially camping together and spending time outdoors. He also had a playful side that his family will never forget, whether he was aggravating his sisters, pushing the limits by riding his bike when he should not have, getting stuck between the dual tires of a dump truck, running away from his dad with a fishhook in his temple, playing with little people toys, enjoying fudge bars after a bath that his dad's friend would give him, or getting stuck in the wood pile and calling for his parents' help. These memories, full of mischief and laughter, reflect the spirited and unforgettable person he was.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 12:00 pm until 6:00 pm with friends and family sharing at 3:00 pm at Rivertown Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers please consider family wishes.
