Daniel Joseph McChesney

PARDEEVILLE – Daniel Joseph McChesney, age 42, of Pardeeville, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Daniel Joseph McChesney was born to Carol (Shuckhart) McChesney and James McChesney on November 8, 1983, at St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo, WI. 

Daniel was the youngest of four and was the well-loved baby brother of the family. As a child he had a big personality, contagious smile and an unforgettable chuckle. He was a constant presence and role model for his nieces and nephews.  

Daniel was a man of depth. He was quick-witted, intelligent, funny, honest, loyal, selfless, faithful, loving, and one-of-a kind! His deep faith in God helped him live out his calling to serve and mentor many children, youth, and adults in his personal and professional life. Daniel was an avid outdoorsman, and would spend time with his friend, Andrew, fishing and hunting. Finding a good deal on auction sites, antique stores, or Market Place were some of his favorite past times along with playing cribbage.

Daniel married his high school sweetheart Sara (Smalley) McChesney on September 27, 2008. Sara was not only the love of Daniel’s life, but his greatest companion, and best friend. Throughout their 26 years together they moved through every season of life with unwavering support and with God in the center of it. They were each other's biggest cheerleaders. 

His proudest accomplishment was being a “Daddy” to his baby girl, Nora. They loved wrestling, laying on the grass and looking at the clouds. He loved doing her hair, reading books, and taught her how to give good hugs that he called “big squeezes.” He loved her with a fierce softness that only a father could have for his daughter.

Daniel shared an incredibly special and one-of-a-kind bond with his mom, Carol. The love between them was immeasurable, rooted in deep understanding, and a lot of banter and laughter. He took every opportunity to remind her that he was the baby boy and she loved to hear it. He loved his Mom so much.

Daniel loved spending time with family and friends and helping out in any way that he could. Daniel reconnected with one of the youth who he mentored, Kristopher Rinde, and Kris became like a son, an intricate part of his life and family.

Daniel was also an active member of the City of Refuge Church as one of the youth leaders, where he enjoyed sharing his life experiences so that it would help others and lead them to Jesus.
He loved every minute of being the grill master at the church’s special events. He loved to serve.

Daniel completed his high school equivalency diploma in 2003, and went on to earn a certificate in Cabinetry and Millwork at Madison College. He loved making things with his hands. 

Daniel was employed at the School District of Lodi as an Educational Assistant at the Lodi Middle School. In the mornings, he was a crossing guard and enjoyed the opportunity to connect with students every morning with a smile and a witty joke.

Daniel is preceded in death by James McChesney (father), Norman and Eunice McChesney (paternal grandparents), Roy and Mary Shuckhart (maternal grandparents).  

Daniel is survived by Sara (Smalley) McChesney (wife), Nora McChesney (daughter), Sherry Schultz (sister), Theresa Yanke (sister), Rebecca McChesney (sister), Tammy McChesney (step-sister), and Brenda (McChesney) Smith (step-sister) and Carol (Shuckhart) McChesney (mother), many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and many friends. 

Memorials may be given to the family at the Daniel McChesney Memorial Fund at Summit Credit Union 110 Henry Dr, Portage, WI 53901.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at City of Refuge Church 111 E. Haertel St Portage WI 53901 at 10:00 a.m. A light lunch will follow the service. A graveside service and burial will occur at 2pm at Underhill Cemetery in the corner of County D and 10th Road, Packwaukee, WI.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at City of Refuge Church 111 E. Haertel St. Portage from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Friday, May 22, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. until the start of the service. 

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.