Daniel Caldera

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Daniel "Dan" Caldera. He was a devoted husband, father, Pop-Pops and friend. Dan struggled over the last couple of years with Lewy Body and vascular dementia and passed on July 7th, 2025, peacefully at his home in Louisville, Ky.
Dan served 20 years as a U.S. Army veteran. He began service in 101st Airborne Div, followed by Ranger School and became a Green Beret. With total dedication to his country, he served 5 tours in Vietnam and was an honored recipient of both the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.
Once retired, he opened his first business, Radcliff Door Company, followed by D&E Homes and lastly, C&S Gov contracts.
Dan was preceded in death by his son, Bruce Caldera and his wife Carla and son-in-law John E Wheeler III, all of Elizabethtown, KY; sister, Lydia and husband Bruce Reid of Reno, NV; and brother, Ralph Santiago of Salinas, CA.
Dan is survived by his wife of 53 years, Martha Kay Caldera "the love of his life" and their 5 children: daughters Cindy Caldera Wheeler and Dee Dee Caldera Minino of Omaha, NE; sons Tony Caldera, Danny Caldera/wife Tonya Caldera and Dwayne Caldera/wife Davina Caldera.
Dan's greatest joy in life was his posterity which includes his 10 Grandchildren, 10 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Great Grandchild.
Dan served his church faithfully for 45 years. He was known and admired by many members of his LDS church family. He was not only a member, but he also served as a Bishop, a teacher and a temple worker. Dan became a Wood Badge Master Scout and in June 1983, he was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel. Dan and Kay also served an 18-month Couples Mission in St. George, Utah for the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints.
Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, Ky will host a visitation on Friday, July 11th, 2025, from 2-7 p.m. with a service to begin at 3 p.m.
The burial service will be held Monday, July 14th, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliff, Ky with full honors and graveside service.