Daniel V. Orzel

Daniel V. Orzel, Age 68 of Westland, passed away July 15, 2021. Dan was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 2, 1953 to Jerome and Genevieve Orzel, the second of their two children. After graduation in 1971 from Lane Technical High School in Chicago, Dan continued his studies at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Cum Laude in 1975. One year later he earned his Masters of Science in Industrial Operations, also from Bradley University. He began his employment career in May 1976 with Ford Motor Company in the Advance and Research Powertrain Engineering department located in Dearborn, Michigan. He loved all things cars, and was very proud of his work with Ford Motor Company for 30 years. He was a member in good standing with The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Dan met and married Elizabeth Higgins on August 29, 1987 at the Martha-Mary Chapel in Greenfield Village. Together they raised three children, born together as triplets on March 2, 1994.

Outside of work, Dan loved his classic cars and attending the Woodward Dream Cruise in his '67 Chevy Impala. He also had an interest in astronomy looking at the heavens through his telescope. With his young family he enjoyed boating on Higgins Lake in the summertime. Dan was very much a "Chicago Guy" and enjoyed traveling back to his hometown for family gatherings. Unfortunately Dan lost his wife Beth in 2001, yet he continued his devotion to his children from that point forward.

Dan is survived by his three children, Jennifer, Michael and David Orzel; sister, Joan (Steven) Gilligan; brother-in-law, Rick (Barb) Higgins, sisters-in-law, Pat (Rob) Rzetelny and Debbie (Todd) Sangster. Three nephews and two nieces also survive. In addition to his wife, Dan was also predeceased by his parents.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday - July 22, 2021 from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Harry J. Will Funeral Home - 37000 West Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152. Burial will immediately follow the service at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dexter, Michigan.

Please share a memory of Dan or condolences with his family at his online guest book below.