On Thursday, January 13, 2022, Daniel Dare Derenburger was called to his savior’s home.
Dan, as many knew him, was born to Martin Derenburger and Clara Spraklin on July 21st, 1944, in Jordan Montana. Dan was the third child and joined Marie and Gene on the family shenanigans. The family added his little sister Marna a few years later. When Dan was about six the family relocated to Miles City. The place that Dan kept returning to throughout his life.
Dan graduated from Sacred Heart in 1963, if you ever heard him tell you how he was 23rd out of 22…chuckle a little. Dan signed up for the Navy, prior to graduation, spent 2 years on ship, which if you knew him and his inability to swim, it’s a little funny. Dan remained in the military for 20 years serving his country. He retired as a major, he was offshore in Vietnam, Panama Canal, British Geana, and some time in South America.
Dan was married three times to women who brought him joy through his life and gave him children and grandchildren, even a few greats. His first wife Barb, who came with a booming crew of 4. They later divorced and he met and fell in love with Rita, a fiery redhead that brightened his days with Ray, Katherine, and little Monique. He adopted them and they carried his name. There were many times and stories he would tell. Rita & Dan divorced and he met Bonnie, who brought two girls, Joesette and Elizabeth. They were Married in 1980 and added a son Matthew in 1981 and daughter Danielle in 1983. They remained married for 41 years. Now on to the grandkids, the true light of his life and his biggest joy. Keith, Rory, and Selena from Ray. Caitlyn from Missi. Jorgen and Eileen from Neekers. Christopher and Kendall from Josette. Amy, Kayla, Jason, and Tyler (whom he gets to see again in heaven) from Beth. Derek from Matthew. Charlie and Dawsen from Danielle. These grandkids were so important to him and not enough pictures were taken, but the memories they have with their papa Dan will last them a lifetime. He also had children from the school lunch line that he enjoyed. They all put up with him and it helped him in recent years to stay busy and continue his time with kids.
Dan was an active member in AA, developing friends and confidants there. He was serious about his sobriety and his faith, he knew heaven was where he was going and knew he was doing God’s work. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus.
Dan joins his parents, sisters Marie and Marna, and grandson Tyler, amongst other friends and family members in heaven.
Dan is survived by his wife Bonnie of 41 years; Brother Gene (Mary) Derenburger; Children Ray (Mae), Katherine, Monique (Floyd), Joesette (Keith), Beth (Scott), Matthew (Christine) and Danielle. Dan was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren that have come along. Dan was a very lucky man and won the lottery with family that loved him including his nephews and nieces and cousins. If you didn’t enjoy him then you didn’t know him.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 17, 2022 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Interment will follow at Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday January 17, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
5:00 p.m.
Monday January 17, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday January 18, 2022
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Tuesday January 18, 2022
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday January 17, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
5:00 p.m.
Monday January 17, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday January 18, 2022
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Tuesday January 18, 2022
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Brian & Wendy Ballance says
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. Dan was a kind hearted man that loved his family with all of his heart. He always had something to say & was quite the jokester. He will be miss by all. Rest peacefully Dan.💙🙏💙
John Munsell says
Went to high school with Dan, and played football with him on the same team, When our group was on offensive, Dan played defensive end. Larry Jerrel and I played in the backfield on offensive, and if the play was a swing to the right, Larry and I ganged up on Dan to knock him down. Frequently, the two of us together couldn’t get it done. Dan was one rock-hard cookie, and yet a gentleman. Never heard him say one unkind word.
Val Jones says
Danielle,
What a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I loved how he liked to joke and liked his stories. May he rest peacefully.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Family od Danial. I’m so sorry for the loss of Danial. God Bless you, Danial. It was very nice knowing you and the times of interation. I’m so sorry to see you leave us. God Bless you in heaven.
Lorraine Schimming Evans says
Dan was a gentle soul., so kind and giving. He was a great dad to my nieces and nephew He was always just a phone call away he told me even after he and my sister divorced I still considered him my brother in-law because he was well Dan . God Bless his heart and soul . Prayers for all his family
Carol Schneider says
My thought and prayers are with all of you through this difficult time. Hang on to the great memories and smile because Dan would want that.
Carol Raschkow says
I have a lot of wonderful memories of Dan. He was a huge support to me in nurses training and we went through a lot together. Dan was very proud of his family and my heart goes out to all of you! He was a treasured friend so many years ago. May God comfort each of you during this difficult time!
Denise Harvey says
I am so sorry. May you find comfort in cherished memories.
Jackie Stroh says
Bonnie and Family so sorry to hear this. I have fond memories of Dan working with him at the VA and taking care of him at Holy Rosary. May you find comfort in the days ahead in your sorry.
Kevin and Sheila Krausz says
Bonnie and Family, Sorry for your loss. I know Dan will be missed by you all.
Ron Hathaway says
So sorry for your loss. I too played football with Dan and was always amazed how he would get cut down by Munsell or Jerrel and get right back up for more punishment. He was tough! Rest In Peace Dan.
Vonnie Becker says
The Family of Dan,
Bonnie, Danielle, Charlie Rae, Dawson, etc al,
I was so saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you during this difficult time.
He was such a kind and courteous man. We had many interesting conversations at family gatherings and holidaall,
May he rest in eternal peace …
Vonnie Becker says
The Family of Dan,
Bonnie, Danielle, Charlie Rae, Dawson, et al:
I was so saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you during this difficult time.
He was such a kind and courteous man. We had many interesting conversations at family gatherings and holidays.
May he rest in eternal peace …
BONNIE CURRAN says
DEAR BONNIE AND FAMILY” I am so sorry for the loss of Dan. I always enjoyed talking with him. I know he will be missed by a lot of people. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Bonnie and family-
I am so very sad that you have lost Dan. Over the years, I always enjoyed visiting with him. Many large hugs to all of you!! May you be comforted in knowing that many people have you in their hearts in this difficult time.
Lynn Holland says
Gene and families,
Sorry to hear about Dan, I just knew of him. Dad always talked about him and the family.
Dad knew your folks and and families. I heard good things about him and his work
at the VA. Thinking of you.
Lynn Holland
Thomas E Masa says
Dan was a few years ahead of me at Sacred Heart. He was always kind to a lower classman. R.I.P.
Sally Ness says
I so sorry for your loss. Dan was a great friend and a huge support for many. He will be missed by many. Prayers to all.
Bill and Sandy Jensen says
Our sincere sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Patsy Davis says
Bonnie and Family,
Sending my sincere sympathy and prayers in your loss of Dan. He was such a kind man.
Dannette Cremer says
I was shocked to hear that Dan had passed away. Just the previous Sunday, Dan and his brother Gene sat at our table at the Knights of Columbus breakfast and kept us entertained to say the least. Our sincere sympathy to all of Dan’s family. Dannette and Craig Cremer
Connie Brown says
Danielle, Charlie Rae and Dawsen,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad, Danielle, and the passing of Charlie & Dawsen’s Papa. Sympathy’s to all of his family. Hold tight to your loving memories!
Kenneth Drane says
We were so sad to hear ofthe passing of Dan.He was a greatguy with a big heart He will be missed. May you rest in peace Ken Ag Drane
AUDREY HAUMSCHILD says
Bonnie and family so sorry for your loss. Dan is out of pain and may he rest in peace. Biggest Hugs and prayers 🙏❤.
Rick and Joyce Brill says
To Bonnie and family:
We were grieved, last week, to hear of Dan’s passing, and offer our condolences to all of the family.
Dan was a kind and sweet man and he certainly loved to laugh!
Though we lost touch with the rest of the family over the years, our children, who are his nieces and nephews, always smiled when they thought of him. God be with you as you grieve! Rick and Joyce Brill
Muriel Selk says
Bonnie and family: My deepest sympathy to all of you. I always enjoyed visiting with you and Dan, Bonnie. God and your memories will carry you through this sad time.
John Patrick Shevlin says
The Class of 1963 just lost a great man. Dan and 2 other sailors helped me celebrate my 21st birthday in San Francisco while we were in the Navy. Will never forget that night. Rest in peace my friend.
Aliceann Carlton says
I am saddened to hear of Dan’s passing and offer condolences to the family.
Michael Mangen says
Sorry to hear of Dans passing. I remember serving with him in Guards and especially during the State Institution strike. He was a good guy.
Donna Stoneburg says
Bonnie and family, our sincere deepest sympathies and condolances over the loss of your Dan. He sounded like a fine man. We just found out about it today, as your christmas letter was returned.Please usdate me on you current address. Thanks, Loving hugs, Always,Donna