Daniel Deuell Pearsall (Tray), age 67, of Oscoda, MI. passed away at his home on Monday February 23rd, 2026. Tray was born March 28th, 1958 in West Branch, MI to Daniel and Rosemarie Pearsall (Steinhauser.) He attended Hale Area High school, where he graduated in 1976. During his time there, he was a dedicated student-athlete, playing both basketball and football. He also met Leslie Kriener in high school, they were married in 1980 and spent 21 years as husband wife and remained good friends. He went on to build a remarkable career, spending over 30 years as a regional salesman for Spartan Distributors. He took immense pride in his work and in the relationships he built along the way. More than colleagues, the people he met through his career became lifelong friends—friendships he cherished deeply and carried with him always.
Above all else, he was a family man. His children and grandchildren were his greatest pride and his deepest joy. Whether he was cheering from the sidelines, offering steady guidance, or simply sharing a quiet moment, he showed up fully and wholeheartedly.
He found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. A round of golf was never just a game—it was camaraderie, competition, and peace all wrapped into one. Fall Saturdays were reserved for University of Michigan football, where he cheered passionately and loyally, celebrating every victory and enduring every loss with hope for next season.
Some of his best days were spent on the lake, surrounded by family and friends, aboard his Ski Nautique, making memories. Music was often the soundtrack to those memories, with Dave Matthews Band blaring on the radio as he sang along, windows down, not a care in the world.
He is survived by his loving family: his sister, Penny Pearsall; his mother, Rosemarie Pearsall; his children, Travis Pearsall (Stephanie) and Lindsey Martin (Christopher); and his cherished grandchildren, Madalynn, Emily, Lillian, and Gibson Pearsall, and Clair and Mason Martin.
He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Orin Pearsall.
He will be remembered for his generous heart, his steady presence, his sense of humor, and the fierce love he had for his children and family. Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the memories he gave us and the example he set: love deeply, show up always, and cherish the time you have.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
Formal service to follow in the warmer months, more details to come.
