Daniel P. Dunn

FITCHBURG - A good man, Daniel Patrick Dunn, passed away on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at the age of 76. Dan endured Lewy Body Disease for 13 years, but it was relentless. He maintained his humor and style and enjoyed life despite the challenges of his illness. Dan was married to Rhonda for 37 adventure filled years. He adored his family and friends, never missing an opportunity to create special memories.

Loving and nurturing was a big part of Dan’s life as was evident by how he embraced his stepdaughter, Kelly, at age 6 and loved her like his own. When Kelly married Zach, he finally got a son and a much-needed handyman. He was never prouder than when he was given the title of Papa by his three amazing grandkids: Parker, Nolen and Violet. Spending time with the kiddos was the highlight of his life. Attending car shows, walks to the park and golf cart driving lessons were frequent occurrences. Nieces and nephews always loved a friendly board game with Dan because miraculously they always won big.

Dan lived a life filled with boundless energy and unwavering dedication to his passions. At the top of the list was music, including his childhood band, The Aristocracy. He was never far from a guitar and was always whistling and singing his favorite tunes. Dan’s Porsche 911 Carrera was his baby. Despite that, he was always happy to lend it to anyone trying to impress a date. Dan loved to travel and some of his favorite destinations were theater trips to New York, ski vacations in Colorado, gallivanting in Europe, and golf trips to Hilton Head and Palm Springs which became much loved second homes. Many fun days were spent hosting out of town guests as he enjoyed good company and conversation. But if you saw Dan, a.k.a Mr. Clean, with his Windex bottle, you’d better hold on tight to your wine glass and plate.

Dan was an avid reader and was always surrounded by books. He was brilliant. Before Google, he was your go to man. Life-long friends were made playing rugby and his distorted ankle was a testament to his toughness. He was also enthusiastic about real estate investments, Badgers basketball, the Brewers, movies and concerts. Hosting two foreign exchange students and mentoring at-risk youth brought him pleasure as well. Dan was known for his sweet tooth and his hard-earned money was often spent on donuts and Snickers.

Dan graduated from University of Wisconsin Law School in 1978. After practicing law with Callaway, Dunn and Meeker, he established his own firm, Dunn Law Offices, in 1990, specializing in criminal law. His enthusiasm for the law was nothing short of inspiring. He helped countless clients navigate the legal system. Dan enjoyed the camaraderie among his peers and got a kick out of sharing legal war stories. He was generous with his time doing pro bono work and was known to occasionally accept unconventional forms of payment to help out his clients.

Dan was born to Bernard and Elaine (Allen) Dunn on Sept. 21, 1947. He was a 1965 graduate of Sun Prairie High School and spent his younger days in the halls (detention) of Sacred Hearts School. Dan was a proud veteran and served both in the U.S. Army and the Army Reserves.

Dan is survived by his wife, Rhonda Dunn; stepdaughter, Kelly (Zach) Severson; three grandchildren; brother, David (Peg) Dunn; sisters-in-law, Terri (Larry) Klubertanz, Carol (Tom) Pedretti, Brenda (Tony) Mueller and Kris Brown; brothers-in-law, Joe (Kim) Brown and Kevin (Ginny Martin) Brown; 20 nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Frank and Retta Brown; brother-in-law, Dale Brown; sister-in-law, Karen Peterson; his cat Squirt, who terrorized everyone and sweet Pudder.

Special thanks to Beehive Homes of Oregon, Agrace HospiceCare Inc., and Dr. Susanne Seeger for their exceptional and tender care.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Hawk’s Landing Golf Club in Verona. Military Honors will be held at 4:30 p.m. followed by memories and tributes. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to UW Foundation - Dept. of Neurology, Dr. Baskaya’s Research. Please wear casual attire.

We bid farewell to a fair, upright and honorable man. Dan - there are no speeding tickets in heaven, so fly high in that Porsche and enjoy the ride.  

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002