Daniel Alexander Van Der Aue

Our dear son, Daniel Alexander Van Der Aue, went to sleep in the arms of the Lord on July 3, 2026 at the age of 50.

Born in St. Mary’s, Ohio on July 25, 1975, Daniel spent his youth in West Bloomfield, Michigan where he was raised and educated in the West Bloomfield Public Schools and graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Industrial Design. He worked for Columbia Sportswear in Portland, Oregon and W.L. Gore and Associates in Newark, Delaware. Dan was a program manager for footwear products and often traveled to the China based manufacturing plants.

Dan was so much more than an employee. Being a unique individual with a minimalist nature, he did not seek wealth, title or prestige. He pursued knowledge and the application of that knowledge. His creative mind believed that form followed function. Dan was a designer, engineer, mechanic, cook, seamster, teacher, gardener, surfer, sailor, gamer, snowboarder, camper, photographer, fisherman, gun enthusiast, lover of people, and a loyal friend.

Dan loved God and the life he was given. He lived out his giftings before the Lord as best he knew how. To quote Danny’s journal, “I pray that God will give me the wisdom to understand my role on this Earth ………” I think the Lord honored his request.

Eight years ago, Dan went into heart failure. He was diagnosed with an enlarged heart caused by a virus. The medical community was not able to cure his condition, but only stabilize it. His life expectancy was about five years, but he outlasted their prediction by four more years. Dan never complained or felt sorry for himself, but chose to live out his life in love, in acts of kindness and service. Dan is my hero!

Danny leaves a heart broken family: parents, John and Donna Van Der Aue; brother, Matthew M. Van Der Aue; niece, Allison Paige Van Der Aue; sister, Elizabeth C. Van Der Aue; nephew, Alexander James Hymes.

Funeral Services will be held 10AM FRIDAY, August 7, 2026 at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Akron, OH 44333. The family will receive friends from 9-10AM. The inurnment will follow the service at Rose Hill Burial Park.

If you desire to make a donation in honor of Dan, please consider Tunnels to Towers or the NRA (National Rifle Association).

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)