Daniel Leif Wiken COL (Ret) US Army

Daniel Leif Wiken COL (Ret) US Army

Milwaukee - On Monday, May 24, 2021 Daniel Leif Wiken stepped away from his heroic duties as Milwaukee's appliance parts "Wizard" (as he was so often referred to) and jumped into his sailboat (humorously named "the Other Woman"), to sail off into a beautiful moonlit sky. He joined his brothers, Terry and Keith "Skip," and their sister Jean "Dolly" on the waves of Lake Michigan, where they had frolicked and sailed in their younger years.

Born in Milwaukee to Leif and Helen Wiken, Dan attended Bay View High School. During this time, his love for the water and swimming helped him earn several state medals for his Redcat team. Those same skills lead him to become the youngest Head Lifeguard on South Shore Beach, while he also held a job as an usher at our now historic Avalon Theater. After graduating, Daniel studied law at UWM, before being drafted to serve in the US Armed Forces. At age 19 he joined the Army's Ski Troop Mountain Infantry, where he was trained to withstand subzero temperatures, while learning firepower combat, and mountain survival skills. He later attended the Leadership Academy at Fort Bliss, TX, and graduated from Officer Candidacy School at Fort Sill, OK. For the next 2 winters, 2nd Lieutenant Wiken served in the mountains of Korea as a Forward Observer.

Upon his return, he married June Morella, the beautiful girl whom he'd met at the bus stop near Allen Bradley, where they both worked. Together, Dan and June had five children who became the center of his universe. He began working for June's father, Frank, and would go on to purchase the family business, Power Equipment Company…or 100,000 Parts, as some called it. He poured himself into his business, and would often proudly state that he had "never missed a day of work in 35+ years."

Dan was an active member of several associations, including the APDA, the Kiwanis, the Masonic Order, Sons of Norway, and the Bay View Business Association, where he volunteered as Treasurer and was awarded "Man of the Year." At the same time, he also continued to serve in the Army Reserves, studying and graduating from the US Army Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. After 33 years of service, he retired as a 06 (Full Bird) Colonel, and Commander of the 84th Division.

Travel, sailing, and fishing on Lake Winnebago where Dan's pastimes, but his greatest hobby and source of excitement was his work. Here, he fulfilled his passion of helping people by sharing his knowledge and guiding them to repair their own appliances. "Why, I've got little ol' ladies who can change that belt" he'd often say, in efforts to inspire his customers to believe in their abilities. And that was actually the truth. He did have little old ladies, confidently fixing their own appliances and coming back to share their joy and gratitude.

Dan was a walking encyclopedia; he could enlighten you at any moment about anything. He was a respected and motivating leader, and an articulate and eloquent speaker. He was a pillar in the community, and the foundation to his family. He was loved by everyone he came in contact with, be it the neighborhood kids, his employees, his customers, a waitress, a nurse, or a stranger on the street. He made everyone feel special and always sparked laughter with his witty humor.

He will be incredibly missed for the love he gave, the knowledge he shared, the inspiring stories he told, and all the life guidance he patiently offered. But most of all, for the endless joy he brought to our lives.

Dan would PROUDLY have you know, that even at age 92, he worked 14 hours a day, everyday, 'til the very last week… and he loved every minute of it.

Daniel is survived by his beloved wife, June (nee Morella); loving children, Jill (Richard) Bunting, Daniel Lee Wiken, Lori Hager. Peggi (Jeff Otter) Wiken-Otter and Kelli (Michael) Parkinson. Proud grandfather to Erik Wiken, Cletus "C.J." Hager, Alexandra Walton, Dane Hager, Samantha Bunting, Shebi Wiken, Rick Bunting, Natalie Otter, Spencer Parkinson, Sophia Parkinson and Lyla Wiken. Dear great-grandfather to Lillian and Emelie Hager; Wilhelmina and Wolfgang Walton. Fond brother of the Jordis Martin. Dear brother-in-law of Margaret Wiken. Preceded in death by his siblings Jean (Ray) Bonk, Keith Wiken, Terry (Kathy) Wiken and brother-in-law John Martin. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other family, friends and loyal customers.

Visitation at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, 4:00-6:00 PM. Funeral Service and military honors at 6:00 PM. Private interment at Southern Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.