Daniel G. Schwartz

Daniel “Dan” Schwartz

59

DeForest

Daniel “Dan” G. Schwartz, 59, of DeForest, WI, passed away on May 8, 2026, peacefully, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Dan was born on December 14, 1966 to Clement and Sally (Meyers) Schwartz and raised in Waunakee, WI along with his 9 other siblings. He graduated from Waunakee High School in 1985 and went on to earn a degree from MATC in Auto Mechanics.

Dan met the love of his life Michelle (Meinholz) in 1990. They got married on September 12, 1992, and spent 33 years together filled with laughter and unconditional love. They went on to have two very loving and kind sons, Bailey & Riley. Dan also always had a soft spot for his fur babies, Mitsy and Toby, who joined the family soon after. They created many memories together, including family road trips throughout the U.S. to places like New York City, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Mt. Rushmore. The family also loved spending time at home together having fire pits, playing bean bag toss, and spending time outside with each other.

Dan was recently employed at Saris in Fitchburg as a facilities manager and was truly respected by all. In previous years, he had worked for American Girl in DeForest and Uniek in Waunakee. Dan’s consistent work ethic of on-call, weekend, and overtime hours was something admired by everyone who worked with him.

Dan had many hobbies he enjoyed which included riding his bike, going on a walk with the dogs, attending EAA, smoking meats, and checking out car shows. He was an avid NASCAR fan attending many races as well as cheering on the Packers and Badgers. Dan also enjoyed storm spotting from the patio and participating in the DeForest Police Department’s Citizens Academy. While being the one who was always providing a voice of reason, he enjoyed causing mischief with his buddies at the cabin.

One thing that was crystal clear during Dan’s fight: he was deeply loved by many people including family, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances. The never-ending support, kindness, and encouragement speaks volumes about the type of person he was. The world lost a devoted husband, an inspirational father, a loving brother, and a loyal friend.

Dan is survived by his wife, Michelle; his two sons, Bailey and Riley; and his dogs, Mitsy and Toby. He is further survived by his father, Clement Schwartz; his siblings, Fritz Wendorf, Kathy (Matt) Roach, Sue (Ken) Anderson, Dave, Pat (Denise), and Gary (Julie); and his father and mother-in-law, Mathias and Marilyn Meinholz. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Donna Schwartz, Dennis (Janis) Barman, Allan Meinholz, Denise (Mark) Helmer, and Brittany (Casey) Brantmeyer, many nieces and nephews as well as two special people Carla & Cheyanne.

He was preceded in death by his mom, Sally; siblings Mark Schwartz, Monica Barman, and Kenny Schwartz.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 4:30 to 7:30p.m. at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home 5785 Hwy Q Waunakee.

Friends and family are also invited to a Celebration of Life for Dan on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 from 4pm - 8pm. It will be held at the American Legion Post 360 at 417 E Main St, Waunakee. Food and drinks will be provided.

Additionally, the family would like to extend their love and appreciation to Dan’s entire oncology team at UW Health as well as the staff at Agrace for their care, dedication, and support, which allowed us more time with Dan.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Winn-Cress Funeral Service

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI