Daniel Dean Toews

Daniel Dean Toews, born October 20, 1957 in Roseburg, Oregon to Robert and Betty Bates Toews, age 68, passed away May 14, 2026 after a long illness. Dan attended Ithaca, Michigan schools as a child, where he was a track and football star in high school. He graduated in 1976 from Ithaca High School. Dan was very academically gifted, attending college and obtaining multiple certificates throughout his life. On August 21, 1976 Dan married Pru Derks and together they had four children. He and his young family moved to Louisiana in 1981. There he worked in the field of dirt moving, building many road bases, zoo site bases, canals, levees and ponds, including some of the mighty Mississippi River levees. While residing there, he unfortunately lost his youngest son Aaron, in 1990. He and his wife Pru moved to Dresden, Tennessee in 1992, and then settling in Palmersville, Tennessee in 1993. There he spent years working at World Color as a maintenance technician, and then using his many certifications to be employed as an electrical engineer at Good Year in Union City, Tennessee until retirement. Dan loved his tractor and using it to maintain his beautiful acreage in rural Tennessee. Finding estate sales and selling tires became his hobbies after retirement. Dan is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Pru, children Ryan Toews, Heather Toews (Joey), Hilari Griggs (Jacob), grandchildren Pierston Schrock, Ethan Toews, Leighton Buller, Elijah Griggs and Melina Griggs, his sister Deb Johnson and father Robert Toews. Preceding him in death is his mother Betty Bates Toews, and a son Aaron Toews. A graveside service will be held at Hayes Road Cemetery in Ithaca, Michigan June 6, 2026 at 2pm. To assist with funeral and travel arrangements, we have set up a memorial fund. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating at https://venmo.com/u/Toews-Funeral