Daniel S. Mezak

Daniel Stephen Mezak, known by many as “Pops” died peacefully at the Countryside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in South Haven on May 13th at the age of 94.

Dan is survived by his best friend Linda LaRocque; his children, Daniel Jr. (Brenda) and Carol of South Haven, John (Mei) of Houston; his grandchildren Samantha and Kevin of Chicago, Thomas of Seattle, Harrison of Grand Rapids, Katelin of Stevensville, Nanette, John Jr., and Benjamin of Houston; and great grandchildren Evelyn, Samantha and Joseph. He is preceded in death by his parents, Steven and Louise; sister Dorothy and beloved wife Kathryn nee Overton.

Daniel was born on July 23, 1922 in Kalamazoo, MI to Steven Mezak and Louise Marshall. He attended the University Wisconsin where he taught a class on Communications. He married Kathryn, a nurse in 1952. The couple welcomed their daughter and later twin boys into their home. 

Dan began his working career for the Bell Telephone Company of Michigan before entering the Army to serve his country during WWII as a Sergeant in the Communications division. After his marriage to Kathryn, he began working for the S.E. Overton Company where he eventually became Vice President.

Dan was on the South Haven city council for over 30 years stepping up as Mayor Protemp as needed. He was also a member of the South Haven Yacht club for many years. One of his many contributions to the city of South Haven was the creation of the All Seasons Marina with his partner Ray Holden.

Dan was very proud to have raised his family on the lakes of Michigan providing them with an outdoor life of fishing, golfing and water sports. He prided himself on designing and building properties from the ground up with the help of his whole family.

He made a strong impact on anyone who knew him as a dedicated family man, specifically as a lifelong caregiver to his beloved wife of 36 years, Katie. His family and friends remember him as a generous, devoted and witty man who never lost his sense of humor. He encouraged his family to pursue their goals and was proud of every accomplishment no matter how small.

The family would like to thank Linda LaRocque for her friendship and care of Dan for nearly 30 years.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven. A funeral is scheduled for 11:00 on Monday May 22nd at St. Basil’s Catholic Church, where he was a dedicated member and parish leader. A luncheon will follow in the church’s basement. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dan’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Basil’s Endowment Fund at 94 Superior St. South Haven, MI 49090 or the Brain Injury Association of Michigan at 7305 Grand River Suite 100 Brighton, MI 48114. Condolences can be sent to Carol Mezak 44 Apache Court South Haven, MI 49090.