Daniel Basler

Daniel "Dan" Lee Basler, 63, of Kaukauna, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 14, due to complications following health challenges.

Born in Chilton, Dan grew up in the Charlesburg/Chilton area before moving to Marinette for work. He later settled in Kaukauna, where he made his home for many years. Dan worked at the Thilmany Mill for 35 years, leaving only when his health required it. Known far beyond the word "handyman", Dan had an incredible gift for fixing, repairing, or building nearly anything. He freely shared his knowledge, always teaching others as he worked.

At home, Dan found joy in projects around the house or simply relaxing in the backyard with the love of his life, Dianne. He loved to hunt and fish and in earlier years loved the excitement of tournament fishing. His favorite retreat, however, was "up north" at the hunting cabin, often alongside his special Uncle/Godfather, Dennis. Those days in the woods, living simply, spoke to his deep belief that he truly could live off the land.

Dan met his wife, Dianne, in 2014, and their instant connection, grounded in humor and love of family, grew into something special. They married on June 18, 2016, surrounded by their children, family and dear friends. Together they enjoyed camping trips in their RV, escapes to Mercer to "Tom's Cabin," and countless day trips to wherever the road happened to lead. Dan's greatest pride and joy were the ten grandchildren he and Dianne shared: Mya, Larry, Jaydon, Emmett, Weslee, Dax, Beau, Reese, Owen, and Logan. Nothing lit up his face like a visit from any one of them. From big hugs to teaching "Papa tricks," including how to step on his chair's lift handle to climb into his lap for Papa snuggles. He filled their lives with love, laughter, games of checkers and forever lasting memories.

Dan is survived by his loving wife, Dianne, and his daughter Angela "Spanky" Basler of Kaukauna; his 3 stepchildren-Kyle (Cheyenne) Walker of Menasha; Ashlie (Eric) Brown of Greenville; and Lance (Kathryn) Walker of Menasha. He was preceded in death by his son, Danny Jr., in 2021. He is further survived by his parents, Leroy and Sandy Basler of Charlesburg; his cherished brother, Lee (Debbie) Basler of Pennsylvania; and siblings Paul, Sherry, Pam, and Jodi. He is also lovingly remembered by his mother-in-law, Maryann Kautzer, along with in-laws Mary, Maureen, Frank, and Leah, as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

For the past 3 1/2 years, Dan fought stage 4 throat cancer with tremendous courage with Dianne as his devoted caregiver continually by his side; Dan openly referring to her as "his rock". His famous phrase "it is what it is" was often heard as a reminder that their journey was out of their hands. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt gratitude to his primary doctor, Dr. Samuel Heiks and his physical therapist Cheryl Gess. To the extended team at Theda Cancer Center in Appleton, and also the surgical team at Froedtert Medical Hospital in Wauwautosa/Milwaukee; for their care and support throughout his journey, the family thanks you.

Funeral services for Dan will be held on Wednesday, August 20, at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main Street, Little Chute). Visitation will take place from 1–3 PM with a funeral service following the visitation, officiated by Father Carl Schmitt. The family respectfully asks that friends and extended family arrive no earlier then 1:00 PM, allowing Dan's wife, children, and grandchildren private time with their husband, dad, and Papa before welcoming visitors.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family kindly requests that expressions of sympathy be shared in other meaningful ways.

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