Daniel “Dan” Rivers, 92, lifelong resident of Kipling, passed away peacefully Sunday evening at the home of his daughter, Kristine and son-in-law Rick, where he had been residing for the past 2 years.
Dan was born at home in Kipling on December 13, 1915 the son of George and Agnes (Polequin) Rivers. Dan attended Kipling School and Gladstone High School. Dan could have completed high school, but instead went to work in the woods to help support the family. He joined the C.C.C.’s Company #686 at Camp Cooks in 1933, also to support his family.
He was united in marriage on May 30, 1936 to Elizabeth Mary Swanson, the daughter of the late Alfred and Hilda (Erickson) Swanson. Dan and Liz were together in Kipling for 58 years. The family was fortunate to celebrate Dan and Liz’s 50th anniversary at the Fisherman Catch in Schaffer, formerly Potvin’s, where they also attended Dan’s parents 50th wedding anniversary, also held at the same location.
Dan worked at Atlas Plywood Plant, “The Buckeye,” from 1936 to 1943 when he answered the call to duty from F.D.R, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 10, 1943. After training at the Great Lakes NTC, USNH in Newport, R.I. and Lido Beach, NY, he was assigned to the USN Hospital in San Bruno, CA. before shipping out to Okinawa to prepare for the final assault on Japan. While in Okinawa he survived a devastating typhoon that wiped out their temporary base and left him with only the clothes he was wearing. Dan received an Honorable Discharge on January 1, 1946. He secured a “good” job at Theison-Clemens Tank Terminal in Kipling from 1949 to 1967 when it changed hands to Cities Service, retiring in 1974. A proud member of the Teamsters Local 328 in Escanaba, he had the opportunity to shake the hand of Jimmy Hoffa at the dedication of the Local in Escanaba, “I shook the hand of the man that shook the World” in Dan’s words.
His love of Harley-Davidson motorcycles was rekindled with the gift of a burned 1952 FL from his son David in the late 1960’s. Later on a brand new 1971 FLH with an electric starter made his blue eyes sparkle. Many thousands of miles were spent through the years with one of the highlights being a trip to “Sturgis” in 1980 with David. He rode until he was 85 years old on his 1987 FLHS.
Dan was a proud member of the UP Chiefs M.C. which had its clubhouse in Kipling. He had served as President for a term along with other positions. He was also a charter member of the Harley Owners Group (over 1 million members strong now), the American Motorcycle Association, and the Retreads Motorcycle Club.
Fishing was a great hobby of his for many years and his skill at walleye fishing was legendary. He was a member of the Gladstone Senior Citizens Center and had served as President, along with other positions. He was always happy to drive his group of ladies to “Bingo” and other senior activities. When he felt he could no longer drive safely, he turned over his keys and never looked back.
Dan is survived by 4 children, Carloyn (Al) Steinhurst of Grand Rapids, MI, David (Carol) Rivers, of Days River location, Kristine (Richard) Larsen of Vacaville, CA, and Cindy (Richard) Kletzien of Stratham, NH, 5 grandchildren, and several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, two sisters, Mary Olive and Marjorie Cretens, both of Gladstone, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth, parents, two brothers, George and Louie, and his sister Rose.
Dan’s family will receive friends on Saturday from 2:00 to 3:45 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71 military rites will follow at 3:45 PM. Funeral services celebrating the life of Daniel Rivers will follow at 4:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt officiating. Luncheon will follow at the Gladstone Senior Center. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.
