Dan Thews, of Richfield, Wisconsin passed away peacefully at home in the early morning on July 12, 2023 at the age of 74 after a hard fought and courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s Disease.
Dan lived a very fulfilling life. He was born on December 26, 1948 and grew up in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school, he served in the United States Air Force from 1968-1972. He was stationed at Udorn AF Base in Thailand, working as a machinist during the Vietnam War. Dan was also stationed at bases in Washington state and North Dakota.
After receiving an honorable discharge, Dan returned to Wisconsin and completed his associate degree at MATC. He enjoyed many years of employment doing electrical maintenance work at Kearney & Trecker, QuadGraphics and several other companies in the Milwaukee area. He often would say that his work in the Air Force had prepared him to repair and maintain one-of-a-kind machines over the course of several decades until his retirement in 2008.
Dan met his future wife, Linda, in 1972. This began a long courtship until they finally married on August 9, 1986. Together, they built their dream house and in 1989 moved to Richfield with their beloved dog, Cirra. For years, Dan, with Linda’s help, maintained a wonderful yard and pond. Every year there was an impressive garden. He enjoyed sharing produce and helped make batches of homemade salsa for family and friends. Together they also hosted many parties, get-togethers, and family reunions at their home. Dan often was the designated bartender, taking his job seriously, providing beverages and stories for all from behind his bar.
Over the years Dan enjoyed many activities, including hunting, fishing, gambling trips to Las Vegas and mid-west casinos (specially to play black jack), spending time at the cabin up-North and meandering the back roads of Wisconsin with or without a map. He also was an avid car fan, researching the newest models and enjoyed getting his classic car Christmas ornament each year.
Dan always showed kindness to and interest in everyone he met. He would take the time to make new acquaintances, share stories, give advice on projects, and have the patience to teach a lot of DIY and handyman tips to his family and friends. Dan was always available to help. As everything became harder for him, he still demonstrated care, concern, and interest in others.
Even in death, Dan continues to fight ALS by donating his brain to advance the understanding and treatment for those impacted by this devastating disease.
Dan is survived by his wife of 36 years, Linda (nee Wach), his sister Marilyn (Colin) McDaniel of Campbellsville, Kentucky; sister-in-law Donna (Bruce) Brocker of Glendale, Wisconsin; nephews Dr. Zachary Brocker, Michael Brocker and Rocky McDaniel. Dan is also survived other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Mayme Thews, parents-in-law Edward and Agnes Wach and nephews Sean and Rick McDaniel.
A special thank you is extended to family and friends who have helped Dan and Linda at home, up-North and/or with emotional support, along with the VA medical teams, other providers and at home care specialists (especially John) for assisting with Dan’s needs the past few years.
Per Dan’s wishes, no funeral services will be held, but a party to celebrate his life will be scheduled at a later date for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, Dan asked that donations be made to the ALS Association, Camp American Legion or to any charity of your choice.