Danny Vetsch Obituary (1953

On the morning of Monday, January 7th, 2019 we lost a beautiful soul and beloved family member, Danny Louis Vetsch. His passing was peaceful and in the comfort of his room, surrounded by caring and loving staff members at Parkside, Union Gap. Born on May 7, 1953 to Louis Vetsch, Jr. and wife Adeline VanKuelan, Danny's journey had begun. Being the oldest of three, he often assumed the role as 'big brother' and looked after his two younger siblings, Paula and Damon. After his dad Louie divorced, he married Sharon Lang. They had two children, Steven and LeAnn, the 'baby,' as Danny would often refer to her. One of Danny's most fond memories as a child, was visiting his grandparents homestead, better known as 'the Vetsch Ranch.' Danny cherished the countless hours he would spend, playing with his many close cousins, often recalling stories about climbing the huge willow tree on their front lawn. In 1960, the freckled faced, full of spirit young boy, attended Saint Paul Catholic school. He then continued his education at Robertson Elementary until 1965. It was shortly after this period in Danny's youth, that he was diagnosed with Epilepsy. The disability would drastically change Danny's life, as well as the life of his family. In 1978, Danny moved to Parkside Nursing Home, where after forty years, he proudly held the title, of the longest residing tenant! The care facility was his home and the employees were his family. Rhonda Shafer, the activities director, whom Danny adored, had known him for over thirty years. She went above and beyond looking out for his well-being, as well as spoiling him on many occasions. Danny had many favorite hobbies; collecting DVD movies, drawing pictures and writing various lists. One in particular, was his Christmas list, where his Uncle Dick's homemade beef jerky, was sure to be at the top! Danny was always fond of animals and made frequent trips to the Yakima Humane Society. His most loved companions undoubtedly were dogs, especially family pets, that he often visited. He also had a passion for birds and over the years, took care of many cockatiels in his room at Parkside. Danny looked forward to many outings; the Central WA State fair, Holy Family crab feeds, and the Moses Lake water park, are just to name a few. Some of his memorable pastime's included; watching baseball games, seeing movies, playing bingo and dining out at various restaurants. KFC chicken, Miners milkshakes and anywhere they served a good steak, was right up Danny's alley! He also enjoyed gambling and winning at slot machines! A highlight of his many vacations was flying to Las Vegas not once, but twice with his family members. If you asked Danny what he valued most in life, undeniably the answer would be family. He treasured countless holidays, fun-filled reunions and any special occasion with his numerous relatives. Danny Vetsch was a very special, one of a kind, beautiful human being. He was genuinely kind, extremely giving and had a great sense of humor. To see him smile was worth a thousand words and to hear him laugh was priceless. He made such a positive impact on the many lives that he touched. Incredibly courageous and brave, he was a 'Super-Hero' in his own right, that defied all odds, leaving a legacy of memories. To Danny, his epilepsy was not a disability at all, it was just his way of life. Danny was preceded in death by his father, Louie Vetsch, Jr. and biological mother, Adeline VanKuelan, grandparents, Louie, Sr. and Beatrice, grandparents, Fred and Myrtle Lang, five aunts; Mary Pitt, Jenny Vanderwood, Lorraine Root, Janet Youngquist and his beloved 'Aunt Sharon'. He is survived by "mom" Sharon, her husband, Jim Gallagher, sister, Paula Palmer (Byron); their two children: Derek Palmer (Erika) Jennifer Palmer, brother, Damon Vetsch (Leonard Anderson) daughter, Aaryn Hieb (Adam), brother, Steve Vetsch (Lynn); their four children; Jake Vetsch, Brooke Vetsch, Shannon Vaughn (TJ), Randy Sandall (Angie), sister, LeAnn Vetsch (Cherie Carroll) , Six uncles; Bill Vetsch (Mary), Joe Vetsch, Charlie Vetsch, Mike Vetsch (Judy), Dick Vetsch (Kathy), Tommy Vetsch (Cheryl), and three aunts; Ruth Carl (Will), Shirley Norwicki (John), and Patty St. George (Dick). Danny had several generations of cousins, as well as great nieces and nephews. Included in his 'extended family' are Carol Carroll 'CC' and Danny's 'third' brother and sister Rob and Cheryl Carroll. His family cannot express enough their immeasurable appreciation and endless gratitude to each and every staff member at Parkside. Danny's memorial will be held this summer, Saturday, August 10, 2019 at 4:00pm at 3208 S. 62nd Ave. Yakima, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Prestige Care & Rehabilitation Center-Parkside (308 West Emma Street, Union Gap, WA 98903) in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936). Please make checks payable to Rhonda Shafer (Activities Coordinator) or the Yakima Humane Society (2405 W Birchfield Rd. Yakima, WA 98901). Funeral service 3208 S. 62nd Ave, Yakima, WA 98908 Saturday, August 10, 2019 4:00 PM ,