Daniel F. Wessley

MADISON - Daniel Francis "Dan" Wessley, age 87, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 12, 2021. He was born on the family farm in Spruce, Wis., on Oct. 10, 1933, the son of Joseph and Frances (Gabriel) Wessley. Dan graduated in 1951 from Oconto Falls High School where he excelled academically and in sports. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received his Ph.D. in microbiology in 1962. Dan married Joyce Swoboda on June 21, 1958, in Suring, Wis., and settled in Monona, Wis., to raise their family. He worked his entire career as a plant manager for Marschall Products, retiring in 1994. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the Lion’s Club, Monona softball league, Village Lanes bowling leagues, Waushara Country Club and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wautoma. He enjoyed watching sports, particularly the Badgers, Packers, Brewers and socializing with friends and neighbors. He had a bright sense of humor and a big heart for his dogs. Dan was a hard worker and his passions included hunting, fishing, golfing, gardening and playing card games. He cherished his time with his grandchildren, especially challenging them to a game of euchre. After 1977, Dan spent much of his time at his cottage in Wautoma, Wis., where he made his famous Irogami Red wine. In 1994, after retirement, he and Joyce made the “cottage” their full-time home. They spent many winters in The Villages, Florida. In October 2016, Dan proudly participated in the Badger Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., for his service to his country. Dan is survived by his children, Mary Terri (Dan) Hyland, Joe (Trina) Wessley, Ann (Marty) Roeske, and Liz (Furman Newby) Lund; grandchildren, Leeann (Aaron) Katzfey, Kyle (Jenny) Hyland, Eric (Morgan) Roeske, Luke (Melissa) Roeske, Blake, Bennett and Katy Jo Wessley, and Sam and Lauren Lund; great-grandchildren, Laney and Luella Katzfey, Marah and Avery Hyland, Stella, Camille and Christian Roeske, Cameron, Ashton and Lola Roeske; siblings, Joc (Ron) Albrecht, Eugene (Shirley) Wessley, and Leroy (Diane) Wessley; brother-in-law, Gus Swoboda; sisters-in-law, Ginger Wessley and Joann Nestrud; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and brothers, Gabe Wessley and Gerald Wessley. A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Monday, July 19, 2021, with a luncheon to follow at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UW Carbone Cancer Center or UW Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420