Daniel C. Edwards

Daniel Clarence “Danny” Edwards, age 70 of Lakeville, Indiana passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024, while in Rapid City, South Dakota attending the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Danny was born June 10,1954, in Elkhart, Indiana to the late Coy and Jean (Smith) Edwards.  He was a graduate of Mishawaka High School, class of 1972. Danny loved animals, particularly German Shepherds. While working with his dogs, he met Carolyn J. Lanier.  Carolyn and Danny shared a common love for animals and fell in love and were married, celebrating many wonderful years together.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Edwards of Lakeville, Indiana and their children Leslie (Justin) Sterzik of Mishawaka, Erica (Michael) Bright of White Pigeon, Michigan, Justin (Jaime) Edwards of Chicago, Illinois, Jacob (Janean) Ganser of Elkhart, Amy (Tekie) Edwards of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Thelma “Rosie” (Brett) Love of Chantilly, Virginia.  Surviving as well are 13 grandchildren; Rhea Fillmore, Brandon (Jamie) Sells, Zach Judy, Michael (Daisy), McKinzie, and Nolan Bright, Josh and Jason Edwards, Nathan and Matthew Ganser, Lexton, Brailee, and Kamden, Madilyn Sterzik, along with 3 great grandchildren, Carter, Maia and Jordan, and Berklee Jade who arrived just a few days ago. Surviving as well are his siblings Timothy Edwards, Loretta (Lydia) Edwards, Tina Zimmerman and his brother-in-law Mark Lanier. He was preceded in death by his father Coy Edwards, his mother, Jean Lawson, his nephew Kevin Edwards, his brother-in-law Dave Zimmerman, and his stepfather, Johnny Lawson, as well as several of his beloved German Shepherds, Sherlock, Cora and Dharma.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 4-6 pm at Cruz Family Funeral Home of Osceola with funeral services to follow at 6pm.

Danny was employed by Dodge Manufacturing and later with Lowe’s of Mishawaka before accepting a position in appliance sales with Best Buy several years ago, where he was loved and respected by his clients and co-workers.  Danny was a man who dedicated his life to helping others as well as befriending each and every four-legged creature that crossed his path. Known for his kindness and generosity, Danny always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude, no matter the circumstances. Danny spent his spare time playing ball with his shepherds, gardening, and feeding all the local stray cats and birds. His strong faith in God was central to his life.

Danny loved riding his Harley Davidson, and he faithfully attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally every year for many years. He was a proud member of the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) and had a deep passion for German Shepherd dogs. As a Silver Member of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, with over 25 years of service, he was deeply involved in the world of dog breeding, training, and showing. Together with his wife Carolyn, Danny founded Windborne German Shepherd Kennels, where they devoted themselves to raising and training these wonderful dogs.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dan’s name to any of the following charities: Meow Mission of Mishawaka, Indiana at http://www.themeowmission.org , AGSRA Rescue at http://www.agsra.org/donate or the Warrior Dogs foundation for retired Military Dogs at http://www.warriordogfoundation.org .

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