Daniel Thomas Przeklasa

Daniel Thomas Przeklasa, aged 73, passed on at home in Warren, Michigan on February 14, 2023, after a lingering illness. It was a breezy day with a high of 53 degrees, and a low of 29 degrees. The dew point was 25.6 with no precipitation. A fine day to work outdoors. Dan preferred privacy in his personal life, but he was a kind and generous man, loved and appreciated by his neighbors, coworkers, clients, friends, and family. If you were a friend of Dan’s, you were a friend for life. Though shy, Dan had a natural confidence and grace, a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. A true artist, Dan lived his life on his own terms, often eschewing convention, and practicality for ascetic simplicity. He wrote wonderful letters in an otherworldly script, and created fascinating, intricate collages on greeting cards and panels using found materials. His Christmas cards were eagerly awaited each year and never disappointed. Dan also made the best pizza in the galaxy. A professional groundskeeper for 50+ years, Dan’s artistry extended into the mediums of earth, water, and botanicals, which he combined to create subtle beauty in plain sight. Using stone, ponds, flower beds, trees, and intricate gardens, he combined colors, textures, and proportions into natural collages. Then with curving, flowing lines, he drew your eyes from one element to another. Whether a large estate or a neighbor’s front yard, the same loving care was always taken. Dan had a lifelong fascination with Russian culture, art and history. In 1973, before the Cold War began to thaw, he traveled to the then Soviet Union to absorb the art, architecture, and vibes. Dan was also a dedicated distance runner and cyclist. For most of his life, he rose before dawn and had a 50-mile ride behind him, before starting work. Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Regina and Michael Przeklasa and brother Michael Chase. He leaves behind sister Mary Hamilton and brother Emil Przeklasa, as well as 11 nieces and nephews. Special thanks to all of Dan’s friends, clients, his family at Mandel’s Greenhouses, and his neighbors, especially Jason Czygan. Per Dan’s wishes, there will be no service. In leu of flowers, please take a few minutes to share a remembrance and/or do a random act of kindness.

Daniel Thomas Przeklasa

October 20, 1949 - February 14, 2023