Daniel "Dan" Lee MacLaren

RED WING, Minn. / VERONA, Wis. - Daniel Lee “Dan” MacLaren, age 75, passed away peacefully into eternal rest on August 25, 2026, at University Hospital in Madison, Wis., surrounded by the ironclad love of his family.

Dan’s journey began on January 19, 1951, in Aberdeen, S.D., born to the late Glenwood C. and Leone (Bare) MacLaren. He grew up in Aberdeen, graduating from Aberdeen Central High School before sharpening his skills at Lake Area Technical Institute.

On December 6, 1980, Dan married the absolute love of his life. Together, they built a beautiful, vibrant life rooted in love, laughter, and community. Dan was a man of exceptional work ethic. He dedicated his full-time career to Wausau Homes (1974-1980) and Red Wing Shoe (1980-2016) while always finding the energy to greet his community through part-time roles at Mount Frontenac Ski, Red Wing Schools, Kwik Trip, and SuperAmerica. After retiring, Dan and his wife relocated to Verona, Wis., to be closer to their family, where Dan thoroughly enjoyed working and chatting with folks at the West Menards in Madison.

To know Dan was to know a man whose heart belonged entirely to his family and the great outdoors. An avid and passionate fisherman, Dan spent countless Saturdays out on the waters of the Mississippi River in his boat, where his ultimate weekly thrill was catch-and-release fishing, always greeting fellow boaters with his trademark question, "Are the fish biting?" He possessed a true farmer’s soul and a brilliant green thumb, finding immense joy in planting his feet in the dirt and watching his beloved tomatoes and onions bloom. In the kitchen, Dan’s brownie-making skills were pure genius-his family and card club will forever speak of "Dan's legendary brownies." He was also a passionate traveler who deeply appreciated the vast beauty of the American landscape.

Above all his passions, Dan's greatest role in life was being a grandfather. Affectionately known as the ultimate "Grandpa," Dan could always be found wearing one of his two favorite Grandpa Hats. He was his grandchildren's biggest, most loyal cheerleader, never missing an art show, a spring music concert, or a single sports game-from swimming, water ballet, and basketball, to soccer, football, and baseball. He didn't just watch from the sidelines; he jumped right into life with them, playing sports, swimming, and floating down the lazy rivers at Great Wolf Lodge. At home, he loved nothing more than babysitting, playing card games, and watching Disney movies with his grandkids.

Dan was a die-hard, fiercely loyal sports fan whose allegiance never wavered for his favorite teams: the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Brewers, Wild, Timberwolves, Minnesota Lynx, and the Wisconsin Badgers.

Dan is survived and deeply missed by his loving wife of 45 years; his devoted daughter; and his two precious grandchildren who were the absolute center of his world. His devoted son-in-law was also front and center, helping him whenever needed.

He is further survived by his one brother, one sister-in-law, and a beautiful circle of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Dan was welcomed into heaven by his parents; his sister, Zola Gross; his brother-in-law, Richard Gross; and his brothers, Thomas and John (JP) MacLaren.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations in Dan’s memory be made to the UW Carbone Cancer Center to support acute myeloid leukemia (AML) research at: supportuw.org/give/?custom=med04&group=carbone.

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

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420