Daniel J. Wuensch

Daniel Joseph Wuensch, age 67, of Kettering passed away on November 27, 2023. He was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on March 9, 1956 to the late George and Audrey Wuensch. In addition to his parents, Dan is preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Bill Schroeder.

Dan spent his early years in Middle Ridge, Wisconsin as the fourth of ten children and grew up in and around his parents' tavern and butcher shop. He was known in school for his athletic endeavors, from pole vaulting to square dancing and beyond. From there, Dan hopped on a Harley and drove out west to work construction as a rod buster, iron worker, rigger and crane operator. He called many states home, from Wisconsin and Wyoming to Texas and California before a fateful stint in Nevada.

While in Las Vegas, Dan met a civil engineer named Diane who worked at the same construction company. A year later, they were married in Middle Ridge, Wisconsin and then began constructing their own life together. They settled in Kettering, Ohio, where they raised two loving children. Dan was a dedicated father, volunteering in the kitchen at the St. Albert school, chaperoning many field trips and helping build countless school projects.

If you knew Dan, you knew he was a man of many passions, be it his family, love of jazz music, Wisconsin sports teams or the myriad items he found at auctions across the country. Dan was a collector: antique musical instruments and vintage stereos; windmills and lightning rods; Donald Duck figurines for his son and majestic motorcycles. His pride and joy was a 1946 Indian Chief motorcycle that he helped restore and took to explore many open roads. It wasn't just two wheels that excited him: over the years he owned many other unique vehicles.

Dan also collected stories, whether it was growing up in Wisconsin, his career in construction, fun auction finds or whatever life put in front of him. He would tell those stories to anyone and everyone, from breakfast at Bob Evans to the many doctors he encountered throughout his life.

Dan is survived by his wife of 31 years, Diane; children, Jessica (Stephen) Fowler, Oliver Wuensch; granddaughter, Josephine Fowler; siblings, Mary Schroeder, Steve (Deb) Wuensch, Curt (Dana) Wuensch, Mike (Kathy) Wuensch, George (Katie) Wuensch, Greg Wuensch, Jean (Joe) Reigel, Jane (Carl) Lash and Paul (Michelle) Wuensch; along with numerous nieces and nephews and Pumpkin the cat, his furry companion and comforter.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dan's memory to Lupus Foundation of America.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Newcomer Kettering, 3940 Kettering Blvd. A memorial service will begin at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Dan's services will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.

To share a memory of Dan or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.