Daniel C. Zartner

Daniel C. Zartner, 65, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025. Dan was born on August 9, 1959 to Ken and Marlene (MacDonald) Zartner in Madison, WI.
Dan grew up in Appleton, WI living mostly with his Father, and siblings. He'd often tell stories to his daughter about the countless shenanigans he took part in, keeping their father on his toes. For example, his home chemistry escapade. He took glass tubing, and a rubber stopper (taken from school), that ended up with shards of glass sticking out of the palm of his hand and one of the many trips to the ER for care. When he lived with his mother and siblings, he'd continue to stir up fun for all! When he was in junior high school, he was a dare devil and was the only one in the family to race downhill skiing/moguls at Indianhead Ski Resort in the UP. His family was in awe at his self-confidence/fearlessness.
When Dan was a senior, he and family moved to WI Dells on Lake Delton. During his time in the dells, he'd get into his fair share of mischief with his friends while learning the ins and outs of how a local experienced The Dells. This expertise would carry on, advising Carley any chance she was in that area.
After High School, Dan went to work on his culinary skills at the Anchorage Restaurant at the Hilton in Milwaukee where he worked his way up from prep cook to main chef. He learned to make delicious delights such as seasoned sautéed 'shrooms', steak, seafood and the rest.
He then went to work on the railroad in northern IL. This is where he found his passion for welding. It's also where his lifelong foot pain began when he shattered his foot and ultimately moved up to Fremont, WI. Prior to his injury, he'd spend his weekends off learning to sail a catamaran on Lake Michigan with his friends, and perfect barefoot skiing (the only one in the family to do so, regardless of his foot pain).
In 1980, Dan met the love of his life and mother of his children, Michelle. In 1990, they welcomed their son, Cullen. In 1991, they welcomed their daughter, Carley. They purchased a home on the Wolf River in Fremont, WI where they enjoyed boating every chance they could.
Dan loved being with his family and friends. He'd host annual summer parties where he'd float from his dock down to Hahn-A-Lula Resort, play yard volleyball, and sing the night away. He enjoyed his annual cabin trips to Summit Lake where he'd lead the fishing tournament with his nieces and nephews, take them boating, skiing, tubing, and encourage other shenanigans. He enjoyed traveling to Jamaica with his brother as well, especially for the beaches. He had many fond boys trips to the Keys as well as camping locally with his life-long friend, Dick Haak.
Dan's children were the center of his world. He'd talk about them and their accomplishments every chance he could. He'd also come up with crazy inventions such as a 'spud gun' to keep their (and Dan's) childhood spirit alive. Dan loved to play games in the yard with the kids, like tree golf, apple golf, Horse/Pig, baseball, etc. He taught them how to swim, jump off the pylons, fish, both water and snow skiing, and drive the boat. Dan lost part of himself when his son, Cullen, passed of cancer in 2002. He'd continue to live for his daughter, Carley.
Dan often spoke of his experiences with WI sports teams. He'd gone to numerous Milwaukee Bucks games with his father. Where he'd proudly explain their hack of getting court side seats. They'd purchase nose-bleed seats, monitor for empty seats court side, wait until halftime and then move. Dan also spoke frequently of when he lived in Milwaukee when the Brewers went to the World Series in 1982 when the roads were crowded with people celebrating. He was able to pass on his love for the Green Bay Packers to Carley, and was able to take her to her first game at Lambeau Field. Her husband would be grateful for this.
Dan worked as a welder the majority of his adult life. He loved building things for his friends and family such as a maple syrup cooking tank, a 6ft tall lighthouse, and a butterfly lamp for Carley.
Dan was one of the kindest, gentle-hearted, hard working men his family and friends knew. He showed up willing to help for anyone who asked. He enjoyed spending his time biking with friends, camping and fishing with his family, and finding the best burger in town with Carley.
Dan retired from Pacon as a fork-lift operator in August 2024. He spent his year of retirement attempting to relive memories with his children with his twin grandsons. He got to show them things like the Milwaukee Zoo. He wished to purchase their first fishing poles and teach them to fish just like he did with their mom.
Dan is survived by his daughter, Carley (Mike) Sommer, grandsons; Hudson and Lincoln Sommer, step-daughter Marjorie (Cody & Children) Netzel, siblings; Jeff (Ginny) Zartner, Ken (Joanie) Zartner, Peggy Neid, Lorie (Chris) Poetschke, Susanne (Tim) Burns, Greg Ebsen, Mike Ebsen, David Ebsen, and Terry Ebsen, many nieces, and nephews, as well as other relatives and friends.
In keeping with Dan's wishes a private service was held. For online condolences please visit www.Valleyfh.com
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