Daniel David Dean, 82, of Milwaukee, grudgingly passed away on April 12, 2026, surrounded by his family. 

Born in Madison on May 6, 1943, to John and Vivian Dean, Dan was raised in Wauwatosa alongside his younger siblings, Mary and John, who preceded him in death. A proud 1965 graduate of Marquette University, Dan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts. He went on to a dedicated 40-year career with Central Steel & Wire Co., retiring in 2010.

In 1973, Dan and his eldest son, Joseph, welcomed Moira (nee: Maginnis) and her son, MJ, into their family. Over their 53 years together, their family grew to include children Kathryn, James, and Mary. Dan was a devoted husband and father, a doting grandfather to seven grandchildren: Kaitlin, Mia, Audrey, Rose, Penelope, Pearl, and Felix, and a companion to six spirited, if consistently ill-behaved, dogs throughout his life.

Aside from his family, Dan’s greatest passion was fishing (although he never learned to swim). From childhood through his 82nd year, he fished nearly every inch of Lake Namakagon and the surrounding waters of Bayfield County. His reputation on the lake was legendary; it was often joked that the fish would flee in terror before his line even hit the water, which Dan claimed was the only reason he so frequently returned to the cabin with an empty stringer.

A lifelong Brewers fan, Dan loved nothing more than listening to Bob Uecker call a game on the radio or heading to the ballpark with his grandkids to enjoy a few hot dogs. He was a man of local traditions, frequenting Gilles for a burger and a fountain Coke, Ted’s for a chocolate malt, or Benji’s for corned beef.

In honor of Dan, we invite you to enjoy a Coke, share a story, wear your favorite Brewers gear, and celebrate Dan’s life on April 24, 2026, at 11 am at Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home (10121 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53226, with visitation prior beginning at 10 am. Lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dan's honor to Doctors Without Borders or the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.