Daniel Jacob Katula

Katula, Daniel J. passed away on April 24th at age 55. Born in West Allis, Wisconsin and raised in Pewaukee, Dan graduated from Catholic Memorial High School and went on to earn a BFA in theatre from UW-Stevens Point and an MFA in theatre from Ohio University. He joined the Actor’s Equity Association and performed at theatres across the nation with some of his most memorable roles being performed locally in Milwaukee and Door County. He loved working with incredibly talented friends and colleagues at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Door Shakespeare, First Stage and Bunny Gumbo Theatre, as well as those in the Wisconsin film community including Dirty Job Films and Third Choice among others. Dan was a teacher at heart whose influence on youth and college students was evident by the number who kept in touch with him over the years. He was perpetually creative, designing and building theatrical puppets for a number of productions, the most notable of which being a rollicking cast of Christm . . . “Holiday” characters. Dan was intellectually curious, applying his knowledge to everything from growing hot peppers to understanding how his children on the autism spectrum experience the world.

Dan is survived by his ex-wife and best friend Allison (nee Snyder); his children, Jacob and Anna, who he adored beyond measure; brothers, Robert (Susan) and Joseph; and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Jean (nee Knoner), and brother, Charles.

A private memorial will be held in May. Dan passed away after a four and a half year wait for a heart transplant. In lieu of flowers, consider becoming an organ and tissue donor by registering at donatelifewisconsin.org and a regular blood or platelets donor by registering at versiti.org.