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- [S927] Obituary.
Dan went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, September 28, 2014.
He was born on November 1, 1950, (All Saints' Day) in Lodi, California, to Calvin and Marguerite (Stark) Mettler (he was Cap and Mag's son). Dan was raised east of Lodi on his parent's farm – they were grape growers. He was active in 4-H, trained in gun safety, and was an athlete as his father had been. A quiet leader, he was often chosen captain of whatever team he was on.
Dan was a graduate of Lodi High School (class of '69) where he played football and baseball for the Lodi Flames. His favorite coach was Fred George who taught him much. Coach George not only took a very special interest in Dan developing into a catcher, he instilled in him the importance of being a leader. Thank you, Coach George. Dan went on to play baseball for the Humboldt State Lumberjacks and graduated from college in 1973. When he and Miriam returned to Lodi in 1973, Dan enjoyed 10 full, active years farming with his father. During this time, he was also a devoted and courageous fire fighter for the Mokelumne Fire Department out of Victor. Dan and his closest friend, Ron Mayer, started a side business called M&M pavement striping. They had a lot of fun with that endeavor. Unfortunately, when Dan and his family moved into town (Lodi), he had to relinquish his status with the fire department, say good-bye to his fun job with Ron, and also with farming. It was time well-served.
Dan spent the next two and half decades in the home building industry. In 2007, he felt enriched and complete when his son-in-law, JJ Godi, drew him into his business world. This brought Dan much happiness and satisfaction. We are sincerely grateful for this healthy time.
Playing hardball in the hot August heat with his fellow Giants Fantasy Campers was something he enjoyed for over two decades. He also had a wonderful group of camping buddies with whom he enjoyed the outdoors for many years (Ramsey and Snyder's Ranch). Silver Lake with Norm Parkin was always a favorite place for Dan to rejuvenate himself.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Miriam (Mimi) Leighton Mettler, and their three children; Marisa (James J.) Godi of Lodi, Brandon D. Mettler of Austin, Texas, and Colleen (Mike) Merritt of Lodi. Dan is also survived by his two beloved grandchildren Dominic James Godi, nine years old, and Mia Nadine Godi, six years old. Dan took great joy in spending time with both of them. He was privileged to coach Dominic in baseball. We know Dominic will remember his Grampa (aka Coach Dan). He also enjoyed his Sunday morning breakfasts at Coco's with Dom. Dan and Mia had a devoted relationship which included creating quiz shows, building castles, and coloring - she will always have him in her heart.
Dan is also survived by his sisters, Carolyn (John) Collins of Reno and Janice (Randy) Luiz of Lodi, his brother, William (Tenna) Mettler of Herald, his sister-in-law Kathryn Leighton of Sausalito, and his brother-in- law Robert (Charlotte) Leighton of St. Helena. His nieces and nephews include Jennifer Collins (Ron) Harvey, Scott (Julie Christy) Luiz, Elizabeth Collins (Patrick) Stewart, Matthew (Krisey Girard) Luiz, Jason (Lindsay) Collins, Jodi Leighton, Kimberly Leighton (Damon) Carter, and Robert (Jane Clay) Leighton, plus numerous great nieces and nephews.
Dan's favorite charity was Feed the Children at FeedTheChildren.org. However, donations to
your favorite charity
are most appreciated.
Dan's family would like to thank Donahue Funeral home for their care. A celebration of Dan's life is being planned and will be announced at a further date.
Funeral Home
Donahue Funeral Home
123 North School Street Lodi, CA 95240
(209) 368-2444
Funeral Home Details
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Published in Lodi News-Sentinel from Oct. 2 to Oct. 11, 2014
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1950 - 2014 (63 years)