Daniel J. O’Donnell

PORTAGE – Daniel J. O’Donnell, age 73, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at The Rivers in Portage.

Dan was born on February 5, 1952, in Portage, the son of Henry and Fern (Kleist) O’Donnell.  He attended St. Mary Catholic Grade School.  Dan graduated from Portage High School in 1970.  He loved sports.  In high school, he was on the wrestling team.  He was a huge Packer fan, but enjoyed other sports as well, including the Olympic games.  He liked listening to music from the 60’s.  He was always very personable and had a natural wit.  Dan really enjoyed visiting with his family.  He genuinely cared about people, taking an interest in their lives.  He was always very grateful and appreciative of anything anyone ever did for him.  Dan was a kind soul.

He is survived by his siblings, Patricia Janes, of Newport Beach, CA; Raymond (Mary) O’Donnell, of Portage, WI; Richard (Jean) O’Donnell, of Mooresville, NC; Charlotte Viens, of Portage, WI; William O’Donnell, of Portage, WI; Mary O’Donnell, of Marquette, MI; Margaret (Robert) Strycharske, of Oregon, WI; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold and John; and his sister, Rose Marie Petersen.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Portage, with Fr. Randy Timmerman presiding. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 309 W. Cook St., Portage, WI 53901.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Rivers for their care and support.

The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.