It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Daniel VanDeLoo, age 85, on Sunday, February 18, 2024, who bravely battled a debilitating illness that ravaged his body. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work & love for home and family, that will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew him.
Daniel was the middle son of Joseph & Adrianna (Bosman) VanDeLoo, born August 29, 1938, and grew up on the family farm in Kaukauna, which would later become a cherished part of his adult life. He was happily married to the love of his life, Geraldine (Wheeler) VanDeLoo; they met in Kaukauna as teens, married, and moved to Shawano soon after their first child, Dale was born. They shared a bond that stood the test of time. He was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Shawano since 1960.
Daniel dedicated 36 years of his life to Wisconsin Gas Company. Even after retirement, his passion for the industry persisted, and he contributed as a consultant for Wisconsin Gas for an additional 7 years.
Following his second retirement, Dan returned to the roots of his childhood on the family farm, where he spent 10 fulfilling years working alongside his nephews, driving cattle trucks.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dan was a proud and active member of the Shawano community as a volunteer firefighter at the Shawano Fire Department. He later became the Assistant Fire Chief. Dan was also one of Shawano’s first EMTs, serving as an ambulance driver.
Away from the demands of his professional life, Dan found joy in working at home. He took great pride in shining up his car and manicuring his lawn, which reflected his commitment to excellence. His home workshop was a place where he delighted in making cabinets, furniture, and items for his family and friends. Dan could also fix almost anything. He easily made friends with all the neighbors in each place they lived; everyone loved his great sense of humor and stories.
Dan took great pride in his children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren and offered useful and sometimes funny advice on finances, life, education, and relationships. He loved spending time with them and was so proud of their accomplishments.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna VanDeLoo, sister Bonnie, brother Gary, and nephew Joey. He is also preceded in death by his brothers-in-law Gordon & Todd Wheeler.
He is survived by his loving wife Geraldine, his children Dale (Linda) VanDeLoo of Shawano, Deborah (James) Lonick of Shawano, grandchildren Joshua (Dave Carlson) VanDeLoo of Minneapolis, Justin VanDeLoo (partner Jen Krull of Shawano), Abigail Lonick (partner Austin Huben) and daughters Kiara & Taylen of Shawano, Jay (Cindi) Lonick and children Leo & Everly Scout of Livonia, MI, and Adrianna (fiancée Greg Reta) of Minneapolis.
He is further survived by his brother’s wife Donna VanDeLoo, nephews Gary Jr. (Nichole) VanDeLoo, Richard (Katie) VanDeLoo, & James VanDeLoo, sister-in-law Diane Schoen, nephew Todd Schoen, niece Kristine (Kevin) Walker.
A Funeral Mass for Daniel will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday February 24, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano, Fr. Edward Looney will be the celebrant and Fr. Simon Muriithi Minyati of St. Rose Catholic Church of Clintonville will be the concelebrant. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:00 am until the time of service. Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dan’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Aster Senior Living and AseraCare Hospice for their exceptional care.
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