Dan L. Googins
February 01, 1937 - January 16, 2017
Obituary
MIDDLETON-Dan Leonard Googins "Mr. Dan", age 79, passed away on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017. He was born on February 1, 1937, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Leonard and Winifred Googins. When Dan was a freshman in high school the family moved to Wisconsin where he graduated from Prairie du Sac High School in 1955. Dan was a United Stated Navy veteran and saw active duty aboard the destroyer U.S. S. H. J. Ellison with the 6th fleet in the Middle East. He was united in marriage to Sharon Chandler in January 1959. Dan enrolled in the UW-Madison and graduated in 1963. He worked as an Employee Benefits manager for the Madison Public Schools for over 20 years until his retirement. After retirement, Dan worked in Sales for Ahrens Cadillac and Shelf and Dining Furniture. While his children were at Odana Elementary School, Dan served as Cubmaster of Boy Scouts of America, volunteered as a coach for T-ball and flag football and was President of the PTA. Dan was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church. He was a Sunday school teacher while a member at Bethel Lutheran Church and Bible mentor at Asbury and was also a tutor at Northside Elementary School. Dan also was a member of West Madison Optimist Club since 1979 where he served as President twice; Program Chairman, Secretary and Editor of the club Newsletter and at the district level he held positions of Lt. Governor, Secretary/Treasurer to the Governor, Membership Chairman and NOW Chairman. After retirement he volunteered with Senior Center Meals on Wheels, served on Pedestrian Safety Committee for the City of Middleton, and was a Crossing Guard at Northside Elementary School for 15 years. Dan is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sharon; a son Scott (Theresa) Googins; a daughter Dawn Googins; granddaughters, Kyra and Amber Googins; a brother, Duane (Gail Miller) Googins; a sister, Edith Peters; his constant companion, Rocky, the Standard Poodle and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Leonard, mother, Winifred, step-mother, Opal and brothers, Michael and James. Funeral services will be held at ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 6101 University Ave., Madison at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 with the Reverend Harold Zimmick presiding. Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Heartland Hospice for their loving care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Avenue
(608)831-6761
Events
Visitation
Fri Jan 20, 2017 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Asbury United Methodist Church (Madison) • 6101 University Avenue, Madison, WI null
Service
Fri Jan 20, 2017 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Asbury United Methodist Church (Madison) • 6101 University Avenue, Madison, WI null
Photos
Memories
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Chris Ellibee
Other •
Before moving to Atlanta, we lived in Middleton Hills. Every morning, I walked our dog, Greta, and we'd stop and chat with Dan while he was working as crossing guard. Dan always had a dog biscuit for Greta, which she was thrilled about receiving. After awhile, I would just say, "Let's go see Dan," and she'd take off for the school. We also would see Dan out walking Rocky. What a wonderful, cheerful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Chris Ellibee
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Lynne Wilson
Other •
Dan and Sharon have been our loving and kind neighbors and friends for 23 years! Dan always made us laugh and feel loved! He was an animal lover and adored our little Annie! Our children also knew him as "Dan the Crossing Guard" a position he took great pride in and kept our children safe. Dan's death has left us greatly saddened and he missed by us all. Knowing Dan has enriched our lives, making the world a better place. Our sympathies and prayers are with the family. Lynne, Scott, Dan and Ted Wilson
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David Schiff
Other •
Dan was great and the best crossing guard ever. He watched over our kids as if they were his own. He made sure parents followed the rules to set a good example for the kids. He knew you by name and always had a smile. He made a positive difference in the lives of so many kids, parents, teachers and staff. Rest in peace, Dan. Thank you for being you.
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Alicia Schiff
Other •
Dan made sure our daughter safely crossed the street to and from school every day from kindergarten through fifth grade. We were always thankful for his watchful eyes and smile. May his memory be a blessing.
JW
Julie Witkovsky
Other •
Dear Googins family,
We are one of many Middleton Hills families who walked to Northside Elementary School and crossed High Road under the watchful eyes of Mr. Dan. He had such a wonderful way with the kids, enforcing the rules "Stay behind the yellow line" and "Walk your bikes, please" in a firm but kind manner. As a parent, I appreciated his fierce, commanding presence directed at the motorists, and unfortunately sometimes parents-behaving-badly, who were speeding, turning without looking, etc. He was there in all kinds of weather, undaunted. And he had bottomless pockets of dog treats :)
We are so grateful for his service. Our kids are high schoolers and middle schoolers now, but to this day we remember Mr. Dan as an integral part of our Northside learning years. His memory is a blessing to us. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
The Witkovsky Family
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S Mousseau
Other •
I was a student at Northside from 2003 to 2008, and I always enjoyed my walks to and from school, because Dan was always there to guide my friends and I safely across the street. He was one of the kindest people I've known, and I was very saddened to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to his friends and family.