Daniel J. Awe

Daniel J. Awe, 71, of Genoa, Ill., passed away Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at Kishwaukee Hospital, DeKalb.
Born Nov. 23, 1953, in Sycamore, the son of Orval Dean Awe and Lillian (Hansen) Awe, Daniel married Nancy C. Vosburgh on June 9, 1973, in DeKalb; Nancy predeceased him on Jan. 1, 2021. The couple will be remembered as always together. He was a very loving and unselfish husband who retired to take care of her to the end. They are together again.
Dan was a graduate of Genoa-Kingston High School. Growing up with his two brothers, Dan loved to be outdoors, hunting, fishing and trapping; he even went to school to learn the art of taxidermy. The family will always remember the family trips together. His children also knew that "Big Guy" stood behind them in their sports (he was their baseball and softball coach when they were young), and how he never missed any of their games; when he couldn't attend his grandsons' activities in person, he watched by livestream. He was a loving father and grandfather, and a strong supporter; even if he didn't say the words, they knew he loved them.
Dan, or "Tiny," was a carpenter most of his life, employed as a union carpenter for Denk & Roche Builders.
Daniel is survived by his son, Daniel (Amy) Awe Jr. of Kingston; daughter, Amy (Chad) Swanson of Kingston; grandchildren, Ethan and Aiden Awe, and Bradley Swanson; brother, David (Laura) Awe; many nieces and nephews, including his special niece, Tammy; and special friend, Maria.
Besides his wife, he was predeceased by his parents; sister, Donna; and brother, Dean Awe in 2018; and niece, Shelly Awe.
Memorials can be made in his name to Rheumatology Research Foundation, https://www.rheumresearch.org or for juvenile diabetes research through Breakthrough T1D at https://www2.breakthrought1d.org
A Celebration of Life to honor Daniel will be held from 3-6 pm Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at Olson's Cooper Quiram Chapel, 202 E. Main St., Genoa, IL 60135.
For information, 815-784-2518. Visit www.olsonfh.com to leave a condolence.