It is with heartfelt memories that we celebrate the life of Dan William Loughney, who left us far too soon on January 8, 2025. Born on April 5, 1995, Dan brightened the lives of everyone around him with his contagious laughter, adventurous spirit, and warm heart. Dan gave the gift of sight by donating his eyes to the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, ensuring that his legacy will continue to help others long after his passing.

Dan grew up in Hudson, Wisconsin and graduated from Hudson High School. Dan continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering. Dan was diagnosed with brain cancer almost 9 years ago but that didn’t stop him from living his life to the fullest.

Dan was loved and admired by all who knew him. One of his friends commented, “you can’t find a single person who would have one negative thing to say about him”. Dan was also an outstanding athlete, competing in baseball, bowling, golf and working out. However, it was in football that he earned the nickname “The Bull”. He was a star fullback on the Hudson Raider championship football teams. The slogan “The Bull Never Backs Down” was earned by Dan’s relentless efforts for his team and his teammates. His coach, Adam Kowles, said “He was one of the best we’ve ever had on the field, and also one of the best off the field, as well. He was the ultimate team player and was always willing to do whatever he could for the team. I was honored to be his coach”. Coach Kowles thought so much of Dan that when the new practice field was finished several years after he’d graduated, Dan was asked to lead the team onto the field for the first time.

It wasn’t just team sports where Dan excelled, he was good at cards, darts, video games, billiards, yard games and so many more. If there was a competition, Dan was all in. He was an excellent hunter and proficient with both shotguns and rifles. He thoroughly enjoyed hunting with his dad, brother Sean and his many friends.

Some of Dan’s pastimes included deer hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, Packer games, camping, riding dirt bikes, lighting off fireworks, kayaking in a tsunami, hiking, game nights, racing cars in the fields around the house, and hanging out with family. Ask Dan to describe a perfect day and he’d most likely say hanging out at a bonfire, eating sushi (and most anything else), listening to music including his favorite song “Simple Man”, and being surrounded by his family and his friends.

Speaking of his friends, few people in this world were blessed with such good friends as Dan. Their friendships and loyalties never wavered; during his school years, after graduation and most importantly during his battle with brain cancer. Even when time was getting short, there was a constant stream of friends coming to the house to visit, sharing stories, encouragement and love.

Dan will most certainly be remembered for his indomitable fighting spirit, that constant room-brightening smile and the greatest hugs you could ever ask for. Forever the gentleman, his caring, love and appreciation for family and friends was unmatched. Though he is gone from this earth, his spirit, strength and love will remain with everyone who knew him.

Dan will remain in the hearts of his loving parents, Colleen and John Loughney; brother, Sean (Esther) Loughney, aunts/uncles Maureen (Jerry) Hames, Don (Laurie) Dunn, Sheila (Jim) Woodruff, Gary (Jeanne) Van Guilder, Mark (Debbie) Loughney, Kathy (Jerry) Willemssen, Anne (Dick) Wier, and many loving cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents William and Marie Loughney, his maternal grandparents Eileen and Dan Dunn (Joyce Van Guilder Dunn), cousins Mikaela Hames, Jacob Hames and Wesley Van Guilder.

A memorial service for Dan will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 at O’Connell Funeral Home in Hudson, Wisconsin. Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m. with a memorial service starting at 4:00 p.m.