Dan Keith Sawicki

1955 - 2017

Dan Keith Sawicki 1955—2017
Dan Keith Sawicki, 62, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 4, 2017, in Rochelle. Dan was born October 18, 1955, to Walter E. and Elsie E. (Schettle) Sawicki in Rochelle. He was a 1973 Rochelle Township High School graduate and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater in 1977, where he was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity. He married Sue Geise on July 14, 1990, in Sacramento, CA. Dan was the owner of Sawicki Motor Company in Rochelle for 34 years. In 2003, he expanded the Sawicki brand to Freeport, IL. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Kaminski; brother-in-law, Jackson Gallup; and niece, Kristi Geise. Dan was a committed hunter, fisherman, and outdoor enthusiast, which led him to spend countless hours afield, whether in a boat, a duck blind, a tree stand, or roaming the countryside in search of an elusive trophy. His love of the outdoors led him to become active in Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, and the National Wild Turkey Federation, among other worthy causes, in the hopes of preserving the outdoors and spreading his passion for it to future generations. On a mild autumn evening, one might find Dan and his spoiled canines walking an old deer trail around twilight in search of fresh deer signs or a place for the perfect deer stand. A lifelong resident of Rochelle, Dan could often be found with a wry smile on his face and an infectious laugh. He was a prominent local businessman who could find a friend in a room full of strangers and who made generous contributions to the community. Dan was always willing to lend a hand if a person was committed to working for it, whether that person be just getting started or just getting back on their feet. Dan was also a firm believer in the schools, donating a car to the Rochelle Township High School's Renaissance Program for over 25 years as a potential reward to students for good attendance. While his presence will be missed by many, his contributions to the community and the outdoors serve as reminders of his passions and his commitment to the Rochelle area. Dan is survived by his wife, Sue; sister, Sally (Steve) Strang of Rochelle; brother-in-law, Richard (Rene) Geise of Yuba City, CA; sisters-in-law, Brenda (Will) Whitaker, of Tucson, AZ and Janet (Tres) Wiley Scottsdale, AZ; nieces and nephews, Christopher (Ellie) Kaminski, Carol Kaminski, Rich Gallup, Taryn Gallup, Tommy (Tricia) Geise, Brad (Rebecca) Wiley, and Grant (Abby) Wiley; five great-nieces and nephews, Jacob, Katelyn, James, Elliot and Reese; and many friends.
The visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, December 8, 2017, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 236 Kelley Drive, Rochelle. The Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the church, with Father Ruben Herrera officiating. Dan generously helped others by his gift of organ and tissue donation. Cremation rites will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dan's memory to Pheasants Forever Ogle County 0207 or the Rochelle Area Community Foundation. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guestbook.