Dean L. Daniels passed peacefully on June 27, 2026 at the United Pioneer Home in Luck, WI at the wise age of 94 years.

Dean was born on October 31, 1931, at his family home in Bruce, WI to Roy and Otel Daniels. He outlived his seven siblings, just like him, to wait and make sure everyone else was taken care of first. He graduated from Bruce High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after graduation.

Dean married the love of his life, Beverley G. Daniels, on September 6, 1952, while on his first furlough from the service. He remained in the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1954. Soon after his discharge from the Army, the couple took over the family dairy farm in Bruce, WI, and were soon blessed with four children, David, Lisa, Andrea and Tanya.

At the age of 37, while continuing to operate the family dairy farm, Dean enrolled at Mount Senario College in Ladysmith, WI. He ultimately earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in 1973, graduating with honors. He often credited much of his success in college to Bev, who skillfully typed his papers and successfully managed the day-to-day operations of the farm.

After graduation, he accepted a position as Music Director with the Clayton School District in Clayton, WI. For the first two years of his tenure, Dean commuted from Bruce to Clayton so his son, Dave, could complete high school in Bruce. In 1975, the family relocated to Clayton, where Dean continued his direction of the school's music program.

In 1977, the family moved to Frederic, WI where Dean served as the Band Director for the Frederic School District. He shared his passion for music with generations of students until his retirement. He continued to share his love and knowledge of music by judging local solo and ensemble contests and serving in numerous substitute music teaching positions, including several long-term assignments. One of his greatest joys was having the opportunity to substitute teach in the classrooms of a few of his grandchildren.

Dean was deeply involved in his community and dedicated himself to serving others. For 28 years, he served as Commander of the Frederic American Legion, a remarkable tenure that reflected his devotion to his fellow veterans and neighbors. He led countless Memorial Day services with great respect to ensure that the sacrifices of those who served were always remembered and honored. Dean also served as Worshipful Master of the Frederic Masonic Lodge for several years.

A strong Christian faith was the foundation of Dean and Bev's lives. Together, they were devoted and active members of their church, faithfully serving their congregation in countless ways, even while wintering in Arizona. They shared their love of music by singing in the church choir and lending their voices at weddings and funerals, bringing comfort, joy, and hope to others through song. There were many times when the acting pastor needed time away, Dean willingly stepped forward to lead worship services, sharing God's Word with his quiet faith and commitment.

In 2007, Dean and Bev relocated to St. Croix Falls, WI to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Dean also continued his joy in gardening and canning while sharing these skills with his children and grandchildren, creating lifelong memories.

They later settled in Dresser, WI. After 63 years of marriage, his loving Beverley passed in 2016. Together, they shared a lifetime of faith, love and devotion to each other. They cherished their children deeply and took great joy in the family they built and the lives they lived. They were proud grandparents of six and became great grandparents of six, each of whom brought an added brightness to Dean’s later years.

Dean enriched the lives of countless people by sharing his knowledge and love of music. Yet, more than anything, he will be remembered for his loving, witty, and gentle spirit—a presence that brought comfort, joy, and laughter to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

His warm smile, often larger than life, could brighten any room. Combined with his playful sense of humor and easygoing nature, he had a remarkable gift for making others feel welcome and at ease. In Dean, love was made practical, humor was made kind, and gentleness was made strong.

Though his life's journey has come to an end, the legacy he leaves behind lives in the hearts of his family, friends, students, caregivers, and all whose lives he touched. His life remains a lasting blessing to those who live on.

He is survived by his children; David Daniels (Lu), Lisa Daniels (John), Andrea Daniels, and Tanya Callahan (Doug), grandchildren; Tony DiVenturi (Sara), Sabyre Daniels, Jasmine Holmquist (Matthew), Rachel Rush (Mitchel), Randy Mortel, and Jerrica Swanson (Shane), great-grandchildren; Wyatt and Wrylin Holmquist, Colton Rush, Wrenley McBride, and Hollis and Harper Swanson, several extended family members, nieces, nephews, friends and many special caregivers.

He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Beverley, his parents, Roy and Otel Christianson, his siblings; Ardith Olson Kolstad, Roger Daniels in infancy, Sylvia Madsen, Eunice Roo, Max Daniels, Marlo Daniels, and Stuart Daniels, his grandson-in-law; Carson Holmquist and several in-laws.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23rd from 4:00-7:00pm at the Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, WI. A Memorial Service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Cushing, WI on Friday, July 24th at 11:00am with one hour visitation at the church prior to the service.

Last Update: Jul 07, 2026 8:04 am CDT