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BORN
1974
DIED
2025
Daniel Waldschmidt Obituary
October 24, 1974 - June 24, 2025
Bradenton, Florida - Daniel Ramon Waldschmidt Jr., of Bradenton, Florida died on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida. He was 50 years young.
Dan was born October 24, 1974, in Cape May, New Jersey to his parents Daniel R. Waldschmidt and Nora Lynn Barry, both of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, currently Dayton, Ohio. With his father in the Coast Guard, Dan and his family lived in many states including Florida, California, Hawaii, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. He graduated with the class of 1993 from Anchor Bay High School in Anchor Bay, Michigan. He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. When it came to sports and games, Dan excelled in pretty much everything he pursued, including high school wrestling, baseball and football, and recreational softball throughout his adult life, where he made tons of lifelong friends. He was an exceptional swimmer and enjoyed being a lifeguard in his younger years. A lifelong golfer and bowler; he made the Hometown Heroics - Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame for bowling a perfect 300 game in a sanctioned league in Belleville, IL in 1997.
Dan met his wife of 24 years, Valerie C. Winter, in Urbana, Illinois in 1997. They were married at sunset on the sands of Fort Walton Beach, Florida on July 3, 2000, witnessed by their immediate family and friends. In marriage, Dan gained a son, Nathan A. Crowley, age 29, of Mahomet, Illinois. In 2001, Dan, Valerie, and Nathan moved to Normal, Illinois where Dan began working for State Farm Mutual Insurance Company. He remained with the company for 23 years. In 2002, Dan and Valerie welcomed a son, Jacob A. Waldschmidt, age 23. In 2011, the family moved to Bradenton, Florida.
Many people who knew Dan described him as an inspiration who would always lend an ear or lend a hand to someone in need. A friend to all, he was quick to laugh, kind-hearted, fun-loving and hardworking. Having fun and "going with the flow" were important to him. Live music shows, dancing, trivia and games, karaoke, board games, theme parks and thrill rides, fishing trips, kayaking the mangroves, sitting on the beach, guys' trips to Vegas, and ski trips with his wife and sons are among the many things he enjoyed. He dreamed of visiting Ireland to explore his Irish heritage. He served one year in the Air Force in Minott, North Dakota.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Val; his sons, Nate and Jake; his cherished dogs, Sammy and Tony; his parents, Dan and Nora; brother Andy, sister-in-law Bonnie, nieces Rachel and Helana and many loving relatives and friends.
Gone too soon, "just passing through", Dan will be loved and forever cherished by those who knew him.
No physical service is being held but that does not diminish our celebration of his life. Should friends or family desire, memorial offerings may be made to one of these causes in your community to celebrate Dan's loving and generous spirit:
-Your local food bank.
-Your local animal shelter.
-Your local agency for child welfare.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Waldschmidt
Sponsored by Bradenton Herald.
Robert Swiatek
July 11, 2025
While we meet many people throughout our lives, only a few leave a lasting impression-Dan was one of those rare individuals. From his trivia nights at the River Club to our visits at Big Top Brewery, his laughter and quick wit always made time together enjoyable. I had hoped for more coffee visits and conversations. He will truly be missed.
Renee Wolk
July 10, 2025
Always loved being around Dan, what a joy he was to be around! Sending prayers and comfort during this difficult time.
Jen Schellenberg Yager
July 8, 2025
Dan was simply the best. A great guy with an amazing sense of humor and the ability to charm the most difficult of people. I was so lucky to be able to work with him in our little team for so many years. I could always count on him to have my back and I will miss our office chats. The world is a poorer place without Dan. Rest in Peace Dan. You are missed.
Brian Adornato
July 8, 2025
I am very saddened by Dan"s early passing from this world. He was my coworker and buddy for many years. Dan had an infectious sense of humor and a wit to match. He was my "go to guy" when I was in a bind and needed something done and he never complained. We shared many baseball stories and beers. He was a loyal Pirate and Steeler fan and loved a dog and a beer and especially Reuben sandwiches. We played golf and went to a few baseball games. We had numerous rounds of catch at the Al Lang Field parking lot during lunch with our mutual baseball buddy and coworker Joe Lebro. At noon on Thanksgiving day we would often text Arlo Guthrie's famous song "Alice's Restaurant". One of the crazy memories I have is when Dan told me just before taking a deposition to see if I could get the deponent to say "fluff" and "spigot". Of course, I was up to the challenge and questioned the deponent about household activities involving pillows and washing cars and shortly thereafter a deposition transcript was in hand with the words, "fluff" and "spigot" which brought a hearty laugh. To those of you who really knew Dan this was his quirky sense of humor at work. I recently spoke with Dan on the phone and after several minutes, he said " I'm tired. I have to take a nap because that's what terminal people do". That was Dan. He never lost his sense of humor in his courageous fight. I miss you my friend and will never forget you.
Dale Michael Winter
July 7, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss.
Dan was a joy to be around, always with a smile on his face!
His quit wit and humor made him so easy to love.
We will miss you Dan; and Val we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
John P.
July 6, 2025
It was a pleasure to know Dan. Fantastic guy and a fantastic neighbor. He will be greatly missed.
Kyle Winter
July 3, 2025
Dan will be greatly missed. He was such a wonderful person and always a joy to share time. Val, Jake and Nate you are in my thoughts during this very difficult time.
Lindsey Queen
July 2, 2025
Dan was such a fun person to be around. Anytime he was around, everyone had a smile on their face. He will be remembered for his fun, kind and loving personality. Sending many prayers for peace and comfort.
Dax and Lauren Piper
July 1, 2025
Dan had such a contagious smile that will not be forgotten. I will always remember him to be so happy and fun to be around. He will forever be a cherished member of our family and will be missed so much. We are heartbroken by this loss and are praying for your comfort.
Kayla and Eric Heine
July 1, 2025
Dan was a great man with such a warm and calming spirit. I´ll always remember his great smile and kind demeanor. May he rest in peace and his legacy be carried on through his family and friends.
We are so sorry for this terrible loss and hope your memories together can bring you comfort. Sending all our love.
Gina Barry
July 1, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. May his memories be a blessing and help you through this difficult time.
Stephanie
July 1, 2025
Dan was a joy to be around. Always good for a laugh or to lift your spirits. He lived life like it was an adventure, to the fullest, without complaint and looking for the next way to have fun and seize the day. He was taken too soon, I´ll remember him always. Love you brother
Joe Lebro
July 1, 2025
I am heartbroken to lose my friend and co-worker, Dan, with whom I had the privilege of working alongside at State Farm for nine years. Over those years, we shared much more than just work-we shared stories about our sons, including many proud moments watching them play high school baseball, and countless passionate conversations about our favorite baseball and football teams. Our shared love for sports brought us closer and created a special bond. Dan´s kindness, humor, and genuine spirit made every day better, and his friendship meant the world to me. I will forever cherish the memories we created and the bond we shared. Dan´s presence will be deeply missed, but his impact on my life and the lives of those around him will never be forgotten.
Andy Waldschmidt
July 1, 2025
Love you Dan! You were the best big brother anyone could wish for. You always looked out for me as kids and were always there for me. See Ya Later Brother... miss and love you bunches.
Randy Winter
July 1, 2025
Dan and I shared numerous activities including golf, softball, bowling, trivia, and fishing. Our great adventure was our canoe and fishing trip to the Boundary Waters with our sons. He lived life with great joy and gusto. He will be missed.
Valerie Waldschmidt - wife
July 1, 2025
Please watch over us dear husband. I miss you and will love you forever and always. Be at peace
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