Daniel Gene Peanick

Daniel Gene Peanick, 66, passed away on March 25, 2025. He was born on September 6, 1958, in Pond (now Wildwood), Missouri. Dan was one of four brothers raised by a hardworking single mother. His mother, a dedicated postal worker, instilled in him the value of perseverance, while his father, a World War II veteran, passed down a deep respect for hard work and American grit.

A gregarious man, Dan had a generous spirit and loved to trade in both laughter and stories. He also loved to play the role of teacher—he was a man who wore many hats in life.

Dan was a true craftsman at heart—a tinkerer who could build, fix, or restore just about anything. He could weld and swap an engine with no problem, and he had a deep appreciation for collector cars and classic American workmanship. Whether it was a car, a boat, or a piece of machinery, if it had moving parts, Dan could figure out how to make it run better or run again. He loved the challenge of working with his hands. His mother, Pearl, also made sure the boys knew how to cook, and Dan became a skilled cook in his own right. He sure knew how to BBQ.

Fishing and hunting were a way of life for Dan. He spent countless hours on the region’s rivers and lakes, often alongside his son, Paul, his brothers, nephews, and friends. These trips were among his happiest times. Dan was also a skilled rifleman for most of his life. He spent decades hunting and shooting and was always known to be a skillful shot.

A man of faith, Dan was a lifelong Lutheran, guided by strong values, hard work, and honesty. He would never take a cent that didn’t belong to him, nor would he ever overprice a job. He carried himself with decency and personal responsibility.

Dan was preceded in death by his three brothers, William (Jr.), Randolph, and Raymond. He is survived by his ex-wife, Margaret Peanick; his son, Paul Peanick; and his granddaughter, Savannah Escobar. His family will remember him for his grit, his humor, and his unwavering loyalty.