Daniel Harold Doetsch

Danny’s life began June 20, 1966 in Chicago, Illinois. He spent his early lifetime living in the north suburbs of Chicago, then ventured on to Michigan, Indiana and then settling in Lakeland, Florida.

Danny passed away in his sleep on June 7, 2019 at his home in Lakeland, Florida. He is preceded in death by his son Lucas Doetsch; his siblings Becky Wolff, Dave Doetsch and Lee Ann Doetsch; his cousins Cassie Berg, John Zielinski and Beth Sawyer; and several additional cousins, nieces, nephews, an aunt and an uncle.

Danny leaves behind many loving friends who cherished his uniqueness. One in particular is his housemate and best friend, Scott Levine, who shared the following in regards to Danny:

I spent as much time with Danny as I did anyone. I sought his company, and looked forward to being around him. Danny wasn’t a childhood friend, but he made me feel like we’d been friends forever. Danny could make you feel that way.

If Danny was anything, he was funny. Really funny. He enjoyed making people laugh, and when he was “on”, there was no one more entertaining. But Danny was far more than funny. He was an extremely interesting person. Simple, yet, complex. Intelligent on many levels, and as book-smart as he was street-wise. He was fascinating, and I learned a lot from him. His wealth of knowledge was remarkable, and Danny was often described as a renaissance man.

Danny’s passion was his garden and living creations. He was as much on display as his plant life, as he walked you through his menagerie of creations, pointing out those in bloom, those to keep an eye on, and those he was working on. He was proud of his talent, and had many admirers. Danny had more river wood than the forest- each piece waiting in line for him to discover its purpose. His enthusiasm was contagious, and his vision for his next project was a delight to listen to. He made beautiful things. His orchids were his babies, and he was reluctant to part with any after so many years of nurturing. We’re now rewarded year ‘round for his dedication and patience, as his flowers continue to bloom in quiet remembrance. Quiet, however, is not the way Danny would want it!

As much as Danny and I had our laughs, we also cried. We shared a very similar experience, and one few can relate to. We understood each other like no one else, and would talk for hours. And it was in those moments that I learned who Danny was. A kind and thoughtful person. Respectful, and raised to be a gentleman. Generous and giving. Genuine. Danny was raised well, and he was proud of his family. He wanted nothing more than to make someone proud.

I was proud to be Danny’s friend. He was my best friend, and he was my buddy. There will never be another Danny. And I miss him so much. We all will. Danny, I hope you're back to the garden.

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