Daniel Hesket Obituary
He graduated from Fort Hays State University with Bachelor's Degrees in Industrial Arts and Biology and later received his Master's Degree in Wildlife Management.
Dan was united in marriage to Vallie Dunnegan on September 13, 1993.
Dan worked for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks as a Game Warden, Boating Law Administrator, and eventually retired as the Assistant Director of Law Enforcement. Dan later worked as a rural mail carrier for the Cheney, Kansas post office.
Dan was an award winning board member of the National Association of Boating Law Administrators.
Dan is survived by his wife of 30 years, Vallie Hesket, of the home; mother, Judy (John) Bingham, of Mankato, KS; children, Amy (Jeff) Bryant of Colwich, and Matt (Sarah) Kuhn of Parkville, MO; grandchildren, Lily, Lainey, Kingston, Ashton, Rylan and Kyler; and three sisters, Debra (Dan) carl of North Platte, NE, Sharon (Mark) Sahlfeld of Beloit, and Diana Sanpaka of Kiowa, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Gary Hesket.
Cremation is planned. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Haven Community Building, 215 S Reno St Ave, Haven, KS on July 27, 2024 from 2 to 5 pm. Memorial contributions can be made to Beauties and Beasts, Inc and can be mailed to Ott Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Haven, KS 67543.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Andrew Davis
July 27, 2024
Tabby Bryant
July 26, 2024
i am the 12-year-old grandson of Dan! and one of the memories i have of him was when it was fourth of July and we had my cousins over at their house for some fireworks. it was a dark foggy night, and everyone was setting off fireworks as dan made us laugh and smile hundreds of times, my cousin Kyler had the bright idea of putting firecrackers in the mailbox so that's what we did! we got up and walked over to the mailbox with firecrackers in our hand (i was only 8-9). Kyler lit the firecrackers and threw the firecrackers in and ran. i think there was a wasp nest in the mailbox at that time. it was fun and scary but Dan helped us out and made us smile. he was always the crazy and fun one in the family and my parents and everyone i know always say that i am carrying on his journey and just becoming a small grandpa Dan
Mindi Norman
July 25, 2024
I first knew Danny ( the name he went by then!) when I was a lowly undergraduate biology major at FHSU, and he was a graduate student!
He was my future husband´s friend and roommate! As I dated Tom, I got to know Dan too.
My favorite picture of Dan is from when Tom asked him to be in our wedding !
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Shane Cathey
July 21, 2024
As a Wildlife Conservation Officer I had the privilege of working with Dan and his father. Both were very dedicated officers with an amazing amount of knowledge regarding wildlife, plants, and in Dan's case, lizards and snakes. I will always have fond memories of both. I still have the plaque that Dan made for my retirement. My sympathies to Judy and the family.
Laynard Shearer
July 14, 2024
Judy, Debbie, Diana, Sharon and Vallie,
I have the fondest of memories with the Hesket family. I was stationed in Mankato with the Kansas Highway Patrol from 1965 to 1970. I worked closely with his Dad who was the Fish and Game Protector for the area. I had the privilege of speaking at the graduation of the Kansas Law Enforcement Center at Hutchinson when Danny graduated.
I have remained good friends with the family since that time. I was especially pleased when Gary and Judy attended my retirement dinner at Topeka.
My deepest condolences to Judy and the kids.
Laynard Shearer, Lt. Col. (Ret.) KHP
Jennifer Esslinger Templeton
July 12, 2024
Danny was a classmate from Kindergarten to all the way through highschool in Mankato, Ks. As a really small class, there weren't too many times that he wasn't a part of our day to day experiences in the class room. Danny was always a great guy and fun to be around. I wasn't around him much after graduation but I was always amazed and impressed by the things he did and knew and his ability to make just about anything grow as he shared many posts on FB. My heart goes out to his family. May you all be comforted in your knowledge of where he is and may you smile often as you recall your memories of him and the good times you shared.
Becky
July 12, 2024
Much love to all. My heart goes out to each one of you.
Steve and Phyllis Shipley
July 12, 2024
Met Dan through a friend while attending FHSU and introduced him to his wife...such a dedicated man in everything he did. Lucky to have called him our friend. He will be missed by many. Rest in Peace Dan. Prayers and sympathy to the families.
Steven Robbins
July 12, 2024
Rest in peace Danny. My sympathies to your wife, Mother and family.
Sheryl Taylor
July 12, 2024
Our deepest condolences to Danny's wife and family. To Judy. Debbie, Diana, and Sharon, and your families. Danny had a real onry streak and could make you laugh. I guess that's what I'll remember most. I thought he loved reptiles a little too much, though. There are no words to make this easier. I hope you all feel the love from those who love Danny.
Pam Lagasse
July 12, 2024
Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Sharon Sahlfeld
July 12, 2024
Rest in Peace Danny! Love you forever! I know you will forever be watching over your family!
Sharon Sahlfeld
July 12, 2024
Rest in Peace Danny! Love you always! I know you will be forever watching over your family!
Sharon (Hesket) Sahlfeld
July 12, 2024
Sharon (Hesket) Sahlfeld
July 12, 2024
Sharon (Hesket) Sahlfeld
July 12, 2024
Sharon (Hesket) Sahlfeld
July 12, 2024
Sharon (Hesket) Sahlfeld
July 12, 2024
Sharon (Hesket) Sahlfeld
July 12, 2024
My brother will be missed by so many! He was a kind, caring, helpful individual, and aided in providing needed information for conservation, wildlife, etc. issues. Rest in Peace, Danny! Love you always! I know you will be watching over your family, always! Your one year younger sister, Sharon (Hesket) Sahlfeld!
Jeffrey Cullop
July 11, 2024
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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102 N. Wichita P.O. Box 217, Haven, KS 67543
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