Daniel Martenson

1959 - 2026

Daniel Martenson

October 17, 1959 - January 29, 2026

Dan Martenson, aged 66, of Eau Claire, WI passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, January 29, 2026, after a months-long battle following a brain aneurysm. Dan's legacy lives on in the countless memories shared by the friends and family he leaves behind. Known for his quick wit, Dan had a way of making people laugh without ever trying too hard.

He loved the Milwaukee Brewers, took genuine joy in his work, and most importantly, he loved people and was a loyal friend. From early jobs at McDonald's and Hutchinson Technology, and the many cities he called home, including Madison, Portage, and La Crosse, Dan maintained lifelong friendships through his authenticity and the dry humor that defined his character.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Marjorie Martenson (2008) and William (Bill) Martenson (2017); his siblings, Vicky Parenteau (2012) and Mike Martenson (2021); and his brother-in-law, Mike Parenteau (2017).

He is survived by his siblings, Bruce Martenson and Marcia Bandoli; his sister-in-law, Linda Martenson and brother-in-law, Tim Bandoli; his children, Melissa (fiancé Scott Taft) and Mitchell Martenson; and his beloved granddaughter, Macy Taft.

After Macy was born, he often said that she saved his life, gave him a renewed sense of purpose, and brought him an unmistakable joy that was witnessed by anyone who saw.

One of his first jobs was with McDonald's, where he met Anne Ganong, with whom he later shared 30 years of marriage and raised a family. He worked at Hutchinson Technology until his stroke in 2012 and spent his post-employment years with family and friends, including caring for his elderly father, who lived with him before his death. Those years reflected who Dan truly was: loyal and deeply committed to the people who mattered most to him.

A Memorial Service will be held at Chippewa Valley Cremation Services - Celebration of Life Center (1717 Devney Dr, Altoona, Wisconsin) on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at noon. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service with a buffet to follow.

A special thank you to the tenants of London Square Apartment, who gave Dan a great sense of community during his time there.

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services - Celebration of Life Center is serving the family. To leave an online condolence or send flowers visit, chippewavalleycremation.com.