Daniel Joseph Starcher

Daniel Joseph Starcher, known to everyone as Dan, passed away on March 31, 2026, in Ferndale, Washington, due to heart failure. He was 72 years old. Born on July 20, 1953, in Sacramento, California, Dan lived a full life marked by service, hard work, and a generous spirit that touched everyone around him.

Shortly after high school, Dan answered the call to serve his country by joining the Air Force, where he was on active duty from 1974 to 1975. Still wanting to serve, he joined the Air National Guard in 1981 and dedicated another four years. His commitment to something bigger than himself was a thread that ran through his entire life. Dan built a long and steady career as a Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator for the City of Bellingham, where he worked for 29 years before retiring in 2005.

After retirement, he did some traveling with DeAnna helping with photography and trade show set up/tear downs for her job. It was a chapter they enjoyed together, and it suited Dan perfectly, always happy to lend a hand wherever he was needed. Dan had a gift for keeping his hands busy and his mind engaged. He loved restoring antique steam engines, tinkering with cars and motorcycles, and keeping history alive. Later in life, he discovered a passion for Legos and 3D printing, proving he was never too old to pick up something new.

He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 7, the Puget Sound Antique Tractor and Machinery Association, the National Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association and the National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association, staying connected to the communities and causes he cared about.

More than anything, Dan's greatest joy was his family and friends. He loved nothing more than helping others in whatever capacity they needed. Those who knew him will remember his laughter, his quick wit, his bright smile, and the lively conversations that made every gathering better just because he was there. Dan is survived by his wife, DeAnna Starcher; his daughter, Crystal (Taylor) Holtzheimer and daughter, Grace, his son, Nicholas (Serah) Starcher and their children, Jolie, Lillian, Madelynn and Gabriel. He is also survived by his brothers, Jim (Dee) Starcher, Ken (Carol) Starcher, hānai brother Bud (Tina) Cook, numerous cousins and close friends whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Starcher and mother, Barbara (Frates) Starcher.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, May 24th at 1:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 7 - Albert J Hamilton. Dan’s wish would be that everyone shares a good laugh and a great story.