Daniel F. Provost

Daniel Francis Provost, 70, of Gladwin, Michigan passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at his home property.

Daniel was born in Detroit, MI on June 14, 1947, the son of Albert & Rosemary (Beste) Provost.  On June 20, 1970 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Sharon Dion at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lake Linden, MI.  Dan graduated from Roseville High School and then attended Michigan Technological University, graduating in 1970 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering.  After graduating, Dan's first employment was with the Illinois State Highway Department Dixon District where he was assigned to Moline, IL for a major interstate highway construction project.  In 1973, he moved to Mt. Clemens, MI where he worked for the Macomb County Road Commission as a bridge engineer.  He moved to Gladwin in 1976 to become the first engineer hired at the Gladwin County Road Commission where he became Engineer Manager in 1989, retiring in 2007.  In his 31 years at the Gladwin County Road Commission, Dan earned his P.E. (professional engineering license), oversaw 376 miles of new bituminous pavement, 340 miles of new road construction, the reconstruction of 62 bridges, and in 2005 was responsible for implementing one of the few vehicle storage facilities with truck wash in the State.  Dan was named CRAM Rural Engineer of the Year in 2004.

Dan joyfully served the church and community using his expertise and God-given talents.  Dan was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish where he served at Mass, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and was a catalyst for church improvement.  He chaired and was a member of numerous committees including the Strategic Planning Commission, Pastoral and Finance Councils, Architectural Selection Committee, Building and Grounds Commission, Activity Center Commission and Mission Board.  Dan was appointed by the Bishop’s office of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw to be a facilitator for “Planning Tomorrow’s Parishes”.  In the community, Dan served on the Mid-Michigan Hospital Board, was the Vice President of the Saginaw Bay RC&D, chaired the Sage Township Road Committee, chaired the Gladwin Conservation District, and established and chaired the Cedar River Steering Committee.

Dan, Dad, Papa lived a full and fruitful life; one that represented his faith, love of family, and service to his community.  Dan was a caring and loving husband.  As a father he taught by example, instilling the values of hard work, persistence, leadership, service, but above all faith and the importance of family.  Dan was the best grandfather to his eight grandchildren who he showered with love and teachings.  He intentionally created memories with each one of them through camping, carpentry projects, scavenger hunts, wildlife excursions, and attending their sporting events and activities.  Dan enjoyed the outdoors, watching wildlife, fishing, hiking, kayaking, skiing, racquetball, reading, rock hunting, and trips to the Upper Peninsula.  He had a passion and love for meticulously designing improvements and environments for others to enjoy.

His memory will be forever cherished by his loving wife of 47 years, Sharon Provost of Gladwin; children: Tracy (Kevin) O’Connell of Johannesburg, MI; Angie (Brad) Muma of Elk Rapids, MI; Neil Provost of Sanford, MI; and Mark (Michelle) Provost of Grand Rapids, MI.  He was blessed with eight precious grandchildren: Joseph and Nathan O’Connell; Reese, Levi and Suri Muma; and Blake, Luke and Jack Provost.  He will be dearly missed by his brothers: Ron (Diana) Provost of Marine City, MI; Gerry (Bobbie) Provost of Albert, CO; Larry (Sandy) Provost of Shelby Twp., MI; sister: Joan (Jim) Rausch of Waterford, MI; brothers: Joe (Kathy) Provost of Smith Creek, MI; Al (Denise) Provost of Harrison Twp., MI, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at Sacred Heart Church in Gladwin, MI with Fr. J. Marcel Portelli as celebrant and Fr. John Cotter as concelebrant.  Prior to Mass, a visitation at the church will begin at 10:00 a.m.  The family will receive friends on Monday, September 18, 2017 from 1:00-8:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service and Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home, Gladwin.  Christian burial will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery immediately following Mass.  A luncheon at the Sacred Heart Activity Center will be served following the burial. Please join the family in celebrating Dan’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider an act of stewardship to your local church or community. Donations may also be made to the Sacred Heart Church Renovation Fund.

Online condolences for the family may be left at http://www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com . The Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home in Gladwin is assisting the family with the arrangements.