Daniel Van Vreede

Daniel M. Van Vreede, 89, formerly of Neenah, Wisconsin passed away on September 3, 2025, in Roswell, Georgia. He was born on May 8, 1936, in Freedom, the first and only child of the late Alois and Laura (Coffey) Van Vreede. After birth, Dan lived with his grandparents due to his mother's illness. When Dan was 3 years of age, his mother passed away due to tuberculosis. When his father re-married, he joined his family on the farm in Freedom and eventually became the eldest of 12 siblings. After high school, Dan was employed by the Village of Kimberly and married Alice Francis, with whom he had four daughters. In 1968, Dan went to work for Kimberly-Clark, and ultimately became a Manufacturing Specialist in the Non-Woven Division. He was considered an expert in his field and was recognized at numerous events for his industry knowledge and achievements. In 1975, Dan married Mary Catherine (Cathy) Gilbert of Neenah. In 1984, Dan was transferred to the Kimberly-Clark location in Roswell, Georgia where he and Cathy made their home. One of Dan's favorite places was the A-frame house he and Cathy built in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, in the community of Bent Tree which was lovingly referred to as the "Tree House." When Dan retired from Kimberly-Clark after 30 years, he spent most of his time at the "Tree" enjoying the peaceful solitude of the mountains and playing golf with his Bent Tree buddies (the $10 Bunch). Dan and Cathy rescued many dogs over the years and Dan loved each and every one equally. Sammy, Katie and Kona along with many others gave him endless joy and love accompanying him to the "Tree" where they walked up and down the surrounding hills. Dan was always rewarding each and every one of them with endless treats and wherever Dan sat on the furniture, there was a dog (or two). Dan loved woodworking and spent hours designing and creating dining room tables, hope chests and countless other treasures that he shared with family and friends. Dan was a lifelong Packers fan and also enjoyed watching Atlanta Braves baseball and professional golf, having attended The Masters in Augusta. Over the years, Dan and Cathy looked forward to and enjoyed every visit from his girls and others that came to see them. Dan is survived by his wife Cathy, daughters Cindy Van Vreede, Laura (Bruce) Jepson, Christine Van Vreede, and Kimberly Dexter, grandson Michael Parker, and great-granddaughter Elena Parker. Other surviving family members include Dan's siblings and extended families, his sister-in-law Ann Mrotek and her children Amanda Chesney and Amy Coffey, his sister-in-law Peggy (Kareem) Messawer, and their children Mimi and Isabelle Messawer. He was preceded in death by his infant sister Mary Lou Van Vreede and sister Patricia Rasmussen. In honor of Dan's life, please remember the stories he told, his colorful humor, the mentorship he provided at Kimberly-Clark, his admiration for all the girls in his life and raise a glass to the heavens above in his memory. Dan will be greatly missed and everyone that knew him, will always remember that when Dan did something, he did it HIS WAY!