Daniel W. Gomulak passed away peacefully on July 25, 2024, at his family farm in Danbury, Wisconsin. He was 76 years of age, and was surrounded by his family.
Dan was born on October 14, 1947, to Mike and Tracy Gomulak. He died in the same homestead where he had been raised with his five siblings.
Dan attended Webster High School where his affinity for running made him a track star. Even though he had broken his leg in an accident as a child, it never seemed to slow him down. After multiple regional championships, Dan made it to the state track meet his senior year. His best event was the mile.
After graduating from high school in 1965, Dan planned on attending welding school in Superior but instead received a letter from the draft board, calling him up to serve in the US Army. He spent time at Fort Sill, in Oklahoma, and then at Fort Knox, Kentucky, before being deployed to Vietnam from December 1967 to July of 1969. He had many stories of close encounters and harrowing adventures from his travels abroad. Upon returning home, Dan completed a degree in agriculture, married Diane Sears, took over the family farm and raised six children. Over the years Dan expanded the dairy, raised beef cattle and contributed to the building and repair of many cabins and homes in the area. He was often called upon by older farmers in the area to help them out whenever and wherever he was needed. Dan also worked for Phillips Plastics, in New Richmond, until he retired in 2008 and came back home to the farm.
On September 10, 2015, Dan met his sweetheart and fiancé, Jan Hansen, on a blind date. They have been inseparable ever since.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Tracy Gomulak; his late wife, Diane Sears; and his great-granddaughter, Claire DePover. He is survived by his fiancé, Jan Hansen; his five siblings, Mike (Fern) Gomulak, Judy (Rod) Hopkins, Kate (Jim) Lucas, Steve (Peggy) Gomulak and Maria (John) Kinneman; his six children, Daniel J. Gomulak, Heather Quist, Matt (Shelly) Gomulak, Mary (Ron) Meyer, Annie (Chris) Shutt and Michele Fowler; as well as 21 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10 a.m. on August 6, at St. John's Catholic Church, in Webster, Wisconsin.
Lunch will be served in the Parish Hall following Mass.
At 2 p.m. Dan's remains will be committed and a final blessing will take place at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, near Spooner. All family and friends are welcome to participate.
In lieu of flowers, donations to DOVR "Dairyland Outdoor Veterans Retreat", in Dan Gomulak's honor would be appreciated.
