Dan C. Herron

Herron, Daniel C.
“Dan”

Daniel (Dan) C. Herron, age 47, suffered an apparent heart attack and went home to Jesus on Friday, January 29, 2010. Dan was born on March 23, 1962 in Rochester, MN to Donna and the late LaVern Herron. On September 3, 1988 he married Jean Heinzl in Duluth, MN. Together they have three beloved children. Dan is survived by his wife, his
son Taylor (20) and Miranda Wilson (Taylor's long-time girlfriend), his son Zachary (16), and his daughter Alaina (12), all at home.

Dan is also survived by his mother, Donna Herron; brother Tom (Jackie) Herron; sisters Sue Long and Janet (Jim) Schmidt; mother and father-in-law, Jack and Sandra Heinzl; Jean's grandmother, Lucille “Nana” Fullerton; brother and sister-in-laws, Beth (David) Biegger, Andrea (Chris) Landwehr and Ann (John) Hansen; nieces and nephews, Krista (Steve) Freier, Angie Herron; Travis, Gia and Jamel Long; Jessica and James Schmidt; Lauren, Grant and Grace Biegger; Jennah and Josh Landwehr; and Eric Hansen.

Dan grew up in Lake City, Minnesota and graduated in 1981 from Lincoln High School. There he served as class president and played football, basketball and track. He held the school record in the hurdles. Dan completed a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. After graduating from college, Dan worked for General Motors Acceptance Corporation in Duluth, MN where he met and married his wife, Jean. For the last twelve years, Dan has been a Financial Advisor with M&I bank in Appleton, WI. Additionally, he worked with clients from several M&I branches. Dan had a strong work ethic and his motto was, “work hard, play hard.” Throughout his career, every encounter was performed with dignity and in keeping with what was truly in the best interest of his clients and co-workers.

Dan was a devoted husband and an amazing, loving father, selflessly putting his family first. He was a constant presence at his children's sporting and school events. He coached soccer and basketball. Dan also played hard when he could. He learned to golf with his own dad, and he continued to do that whenever he could. He loved to ski in the winter and did so with his children as often as he could. He always looked forward to summer when he could water ski on Okauchee Lake at Ann and John's, and go up north for his “guy weekends.” He loved going out West and was eagerly anticipating his upcoming ski trip to Colorado this March.

Dan had a deep understanding of his faith. He exemplified principles of Christian community, volunteering as a youth mission leader and Sunday school teacher. He was an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where serving others seemed to come so naturally for him.

Dan loved life. Every where he went he drew happiness from others. He loved to laugh and others just felt good being around him. Dan always tried to find the joy in every situation he encountered. He had a quick wit with an ever present smile. Dan will be forever cherished and loved by all who knew him. He will never be forgotten.

Jean and her family are grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support provided to them by Jean's friends and co-workers from the Appleton Area School District and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Many thanks to all of Jean's friends and especially to Julie, Jan, Cindy, Michelle, Tiffany and Barb, who provided unconditional support for the family at the emergency room.

Our family would also like to thank the Gold Cross paramedics and the Appleton Fire Department who worked tirelessly in their efforts to try to bring Dan back to us. Jean would also like to thank Adam from the Appleton Police Dept. who provided a sensitive and calming presence for Zach and her during a very traumatic time. We would also like to thank the staff at the Appleton Medical Center Emergency Room, especially Nurse Brian and Dr. McGuire, who helped Dan's children to understand and spend the time they needed with their Dad. Our appreciation is also extended to Dr. Buchanan, who used his excellent cardiac skills to try to help Dan, and to Michelle McGlin, Deputy Coroner for Outagamie County who has gone above and beyond with her care and commitment to helping us understand all of this. A heart felt thank you to Pastor Gary Nokleberg for his loving support and to Pastor Roger McQuistion for going to Eau Claire and bringing Taylor and Miranda home. Last, but not least, a huge thank you to Brent at Wichmann's Funeral home for all of his guidance and support.

Honey, you are the love of my life. God could not have given me a greater man. I don't know how I will do this without you, but I do know that your love will stay with me each day. Every time I look at our beautiful children, I see you. Thank you for the last 22 years you have shared with me. I will miss you and love you forever.
Love, Me

Dad, I will miss you whistling to me when you wanted me and all of the good times we had together. It will be hard not seeing you every morning and listening to your laugh, seeing your smile. I know we will get through this. I know you are having fun golfing with Grandpa up in heaven. I know God is taking good care of you. I'll miss you and love you, always. This is definitely the hardest letter I will ever have to write, but our family will stick together through thick and thin forever and ever. I just wanted to let you know I love you.
Love, Alaina

Dad, Thanks for all the lectures and speeches you tried to give me. I really did listen and I promise I'll follow what you taught me. I loved golfing with you over the summer and I am always going to remember all the good times that you and I spent together. Don't worry, I promise I'll take care of Mom and we'll all stick together for you. You're the best Dad I ever could have and I'll miss you forever. Love, Zach

Dad, I will always cherish all the times we went snowboarding together. I'll miss all of the ways you found such great bargains and deals for the stuff we needed. I'll be sure to shop the clearance racks for you. I wish you could have gotten out West as I know how much you loved it there. I'm glad my last big snowboarding adventure was with you. I'll love you and I know you'll be with me always. Love, Taylor

Dear Uncle Dan, I hope you enjoy golfing in Heaven. Love, Eric John
p.s. Uncle Dan, I sure enjoyed the donuts you got for us always when you stayed at my house.
p.s.s. How do donuts in heaven taste? I bet you sure are enjoying them.
p.s.s.s. I love you with all my heart!

In lieu of flowers, a fund has been established for Dan's children and their college education.

A Funeral Service for Dan will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2010, at PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2330 E. Calumet Street, Appleton, with the Rev. Gary Nokleberg and Rev. Roger McQuistion officiating. Friends will be received for the visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at the Wichmann Funeral Home and again at church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 739-1231