Daniel Edward "Dan" Kleinschmidt

Dan was an extremely loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, boss, and friend. He fought a long battle with Parkinson's disease & dementia but is now at peace. He is survived by his wife Pam Kleinschmidt, children Chad (Carrie) Kleinschmidt and Sarah Kleinschmidt (Nigel O'Reilly), his brothers Ron (Barb) Kleinschmidt, Tim (Sheila) Kleinschmidt, Bob (Shelly) Kleinschmidt, and sisters Karen Natole, and Kathy Kleinschmidt. He has 3 granddaughters: Lyla, Lydia, and Lucy Kleinschmidt and one more on the way. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Therese Kleinschmidt.
Dan was born in Winona Minnesota, on the 4th of July, 1957. The Kleinschmidt's moved to Two Rivers, WI when he was young & grew the family to 6 - Dan being the big brother to 2 sisters and 3 brothers.
In high school Dan played football and was also a strong wrestler. After graduating he started his path as a leader, managing the local Dairy Queen. After he met the love of his life, Pam Pohl, at a friends cabin, he would often woo her with free ice cream after she called out "Dan Dan the Dairy Queen man!" at the counter.
The two married in 1981 and welcomed their first child, Chad, in 1982. They completed the family with their daughter, Sarah, in 1985. When the kids were young, Dan took a job at Frito Lay, and moved the family to Green Bay for a few years. As a continuation of his evolution as a leader and entrepreneur, he bought the Candleglow Supper Club in Abrams, and moved the family to Sobieski, WI. Dan worked extremely hard to have a successful business, expanding the Candleglow to add a second restaurant. Based on his vision of a jungle theme, it was appropriately named Safari Steakhouse. The final stop in his restaurant journey was to open another Safari Steakhouse at the Brown County Golf Course in 2003. He ran the restaurant alongside his son, Chad, until 2019.
When he wasn't managing the restaurants, Dan enjoyed golfing, camping, Wisconsin Dells or Florida trips with the family, and of course his annual trip with Pam to Cancun. His Birthday as a 4th of July baby was always a highlight of the year, too. He loved fireworks- throwing big parties and lighting off his own, or heading downtown Green Bay for the big show.
Dan loved spending time with his kids and watching his grand daughters grow. He attended their activities any chance he got. Dan's motto and outlook on life is summed up by one of his favorite songs "Don't worry, be happy".
Visitation will be held at Newcomer-Green Bay Chapel (340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, WI), Sunday, December 10, 2023 from 9 to 11 AM. A memorial service will follow at 11 AM. To view the livestream of the memorial service Dan's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.
The family would like to thank Grancare Nursing home and hospice care for looking after Dan in his final days. The staff and nurses are truly amazing and we will not forget their kindness.