Obituary of Daniel G. Bourdow

Bourdow, Daniel Gilbert, died September 6, 2017 surrounded by family, at the VA Hospital in Saginaw. Dan was a life-long resident of Kochville Township. He grew up on his parents' farm and attended Liberty School, a one-room schoolhouse, then to North Intermediate for junior high, and graduated in 1951 from Arthur Hill High School. He went on to join the US Air Force and served four years during the Korean War. In 1955, he married Patricia (Patsy Reisig), "the girl-next-door." They recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Dan owned and operated Bourdow Trucking Co. from 1956 through 2012, first with his brother, Bob, and later with his wife and children. Dan loved his business. It was his work and his entertainment. His office always faced the front door so he could see everyone who came in. The coffee pot was always on, and he always had time to chat. There was candy in his desk drawer for kids and treats for dogs. If a car broke down in front of his business, he would give them gas, fix a tire, or jump a battery and send them on their way. He also stopped, if he came upon a motorist in distress, to offer a helping hand and get them moving again, often to his wife's chagrin. Dan liked spending summers with his family at "The Cottage" on Sand Lake, where for many years he hosted The Bourdow Open. He spent his winter months in Okeechobee, Florida in his motorhome with Patsy, near many dear friends. He and Patsy travelled to Europe, Africa, and South America. They enjoyed cruises to Alaska, through the Panama Canal, and down the Nile in Egypt. He also loved to travel throughout the country in his motorhome, and following his son Patrick's racing career in the ASA circuit. He loved to play cards, especially Euchre, and attend auctions (any kind of), where his family would try (though often fail) to keep his bidding arm down. Dan loved kids, babies, and animals. He enjoyed his big family. He leaves behind his wife, Patsy; children: Daniel P. (Tonya) Bourdow, Mary Jo Walker, William J. Bourdow, Cynthia L. (Mel) Bourdow, Barbara E. (Craig) Kelly, Patrick A. Bourdow (deceased), Joseph M. (Courtenay) Bourdow, and special family Gashaw & Leyu Lake; 17 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He also leaves his sisters: Betty Ann (Don) Jolin, and Jeannie (Don) Brady and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Louise Bourdow, his sister, Mary Lou Weeden, and his brother, Bob. He was blessed with a good life, a good family, good friends, and many good times. Dan died from complications of diabetes. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of Dan's caregivers over the past few years, especially the staff at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center for all the love, care and support they provided. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 11, 2017 at St. John Paul II Parish, St. Matthew Catholic Church, 511 W. Cornell St., Zilwaukee. Rev. Fr. T.J. Fleming will officiate. Military Honors will follow under the auspices of the United States Air Force and American Legion Post #439. Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, 16, 2017 at Pioneer Cemetery in (Sand Lake) National City, Michigan. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Sunday, September 10, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening. Daniel will lie in state at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Saginaw Area Fireworks or the Saginaw Children's Zoo. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.