Daniel O. Van Etten

Poynette--Daniel O. Van Etten, age 80, passed away quietly on the morning of September 8, 2014, surrounded by his loving family at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital.

Born on June 19, 1934, Dan grew up in Mendota, Illinois, where he met Lorraine, his high school sweetheart. He skipped his graduation from the University of Illinois on June 16, 1957 to marry her. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Army to serve his country during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning, he and Lorraine built their life in Poynette, Wisconsin, where Dan worked at the Del Monte Corporation and farmed for many years. He served the community as a member of the Poynette School Board, Masonic Lodge, Farmers’ Co-Op and Dekorra Lutheran Church. Dan spent his free time traveling the country with Lorraine in their camper and playing cards. After 57 years of marriage, they had no regrets.

Dan was respected and loved by all who knew him. He was immensely proud of his two children, Laurie and Scott, and his five grandchildren Danny, Erin, Ashley, Jessa and Mark. Dan enjoyed his morning coffee with friends, fishing at Mosomo and camping with his grandkids. He was an avid sports fan and spent many hours in the bleachers of Poynette High School watching his grandkids compete in football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, cross country and track. Dan’s family will remember him for his quick wit and endless patience.  To them, he was the best husband, father and grandfather in the world.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents Alma and Frank Van Etten; his brothers John and Curt Van Etten; and his sister Jean Wylie.

He is survived by his wife Lorraine Van Etten; his two children, Laurie Fabrizius (Ron) and Scott Van Etten (Kim); his five grandchildren Dan Van Etten (April), Erin Fabrizius, Ashley Van Etten, Jessa Fabrizius and Mark Van Etten; and his great-grandchildren Drake and Olivia Van Etten.

A funeral service with Masonic Rites will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2014, at  Dekorra Lutheran Church, N3099 Smith Road, Poynette, WI 53955, with Pastor Ryan Rouse officiating. Friends and family are invited to a luncheon immediately following the service. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2014, at Dekorra Lutheran Church, and one hour before the funeral service on Friday.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Poynette is assisting the family.

Dan’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the excellent staff of the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital for their care of Dan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org)