Daniel George Zepecki

Portage - Daniel George Zepecki, affectionately known as DZ, was born March 17, 1943 to Edward and Joanna “Jenny” Zepecki. Dan passed away peacefully, Saturday, November 5, 2016 surrounded by his loving daughters, son-in-law Mark, and wife, Karen, of 52 years.

The sudden and unexpected passing of Dan should be a reminder to all to live each day to the fullest.

Daniel worked at HG Meigs, Inc. for 37 years as a respected salesman. He credited his success to his good friend and mentor, John Mulhern. Dan made many friends throughout the state during his career. HG Meigs was an integral part of Dan and Karen’s life. 

Daniel’s greatest accomplishment was his family. Dan assisted Karen in raising many of her Schell siblings. Dan and Karen opened their home to many foster kids throughout their marriage as well as raising 6 of their own. They were recognized as “Foster Parents of the Year” in the State of Wisconsin in 1977. You didn’t have to be a part of his immediate family to be considered family. Dan had a way of making everyone feel like family. Family was Dan’s most valued possession.

Dan is survived by his only love, Karen; his children, Elizabeth (John) Rydeski, Jennifer (Mark) Holmes, Kathryn Jo (Phil) Heimerl, Donald Zepecki, Theresa (Marcus) Zimmerman and his VERY special daughter, Kristina. He adored all 10 of his grandchildren; Margaret, Patrick, Charlie Rydeski, Lisa, Nick Holmes, JoJo, Lucy, Jack Heimerl, Adam and Natalie Zimmerman.

He is further survived by his sister, Patricia (Patsy as he lovingly referred to her); brothers, David (Diane Diel) Zepecki, Bill Zepecki, and sister-in-law Gabriel Zepecki. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joanna and Edward; infant brother, Edward; brother-in-law, Ron; brother, John; and infant grandson, Joseph.

Dan truly loved everyone he met. His hugs and kisses will be greatly missed. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Portage, Wisconsin, on Saturday, November 12, 2016, at 10:30 a.m., with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding. Inurnment will be at St Mary Cemetery in Portage. Visitation will be at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home (www.pmmfh.com) in Portage on Friday, November 11, 2016, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 9:30 until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be distributed to organizations that Dan supported.

The family would like to thank the Emergency Room staff at Divine Savior Hospital for their excellent response and the UW Hospital Neurosciences ICU and Cardiac ICU for their care and attentiveness.