Daniel Stauffacher

Daniel Robert Stauffacher of Beloit, WI, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the age of 70.
Dan was born on March 4, 1955, to Agnes L. Stauffacher. He graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 1973, as a member of the undefeated school football team. He continued his education at UW Whitewater, where he studied Sociology before completing a masters degree in Safety Education.
While in college, Dan joined the Cadet Program at the Beloit Police Department and later went on to serve with the Edgerton Police Department before returning to Beloit, where he would eventually retire from a career in law enforcement that spanned over 30 years. During his time at the BPD, Dan was promoted from officer to detective to sergeant. He was known amongst his peers as a quiet leader, a friend, and a mentor; Dan led by example, treating all people with respect, humility, humor, and integrity. Though his leadership style was subtle, his laughter and devotion to mischief were infectious. His playfulness was as much a part of his work ethic as was his moral compass.
Dan trained with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police College in polygraph examination and interrogation and joined the Beloit SWAT and Hostage Negotiation Teams, where he was the lead negotiator and later supervisor of negotiations. After retiring from BPD, Dan served as the School District of Beloit Safety and Security Coordinator, as well as providing security at the YMCA. In each role, his skills in deescalation were complemented by his warmth and ability to connect with anyone.
Outside of work, Dan was an active member of his community: he volunteered with the Salvation Army, the Beloit Snappers, and at Central Christian Church, where he was a devoted member. Dan was active with Critical Incident Stress Management, which provides mental health support to first responders in southern Wisconsin. He also participated in community runs and spent much of his free time at the YMCA, where he was a member for over 60 years. Dan was proud to meet his self-imposed goal of bench pressing 400 pounds.
Dan married his loving wife Robin on February 1, 1985, and became an involved, active father to two daughters, Kendall and Kelsey. Dan cherished his family, which expanded to include his beloved son-in-law Matt, three grandchildren, and two granddogs. He loved finding adventures with his family, especially traveling to national parks and participating in anything Disney. Dan found enormous joy in fatherhood, and was a father figure to many outside of his household. He was a mentor to many young people who were drawn to his obvious honor and decency, humor and mischief. He had high standards for himself but was nonjudgemental and loyal to others; Dan was everyone's dad. Those who knew and loved him will be filled with joy when they think of Dan. He always wore a smile paired with a Big Gulp pop from the local gas station. No matter where Dan went or what he walked into, you always knew when he arrived; his magnetism was undeniable. There's not enough words or pages to fill to truly describe the type of man Dan was.
Dan is survived by his wife, Robin; two children, Kendall (Matt) Christidis, and Kelsey Stauffacher; three grandchildren, Grayson, Jackson, and Camryn; nieces, nephews, and friends. He passed away four years to the day since his diagnosis of stage four metastatic melanoma. He outlived medical predictions by more than two years thanks to the incredible care provided by family, friends, and the staff at Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. Dan's family would also like to thank Riverside Terrace Assisted Living and Beloit Regional Hospice, who cared for Dan in his final months; thanks in particular to CNA Anderia and RN Jessica.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to honor Dan make a donation in his name to Stateline Family YMCA or Beloit Regional Hospice.
As Dan always said, "it's another day in paradise." Welcome to paradise, Dan.