Daniel Howard Gavin

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Daniel Gavin, who left on July 11, 2024. Dan was born on June 5, 1948, in River Falls, WI, to Joe and Katherine Gavin. Dan was the eldest of six boys, known as “free range” children who spent their days at the Glen Park pool or riding their bikes around town as long as they were home in time for dinner. He had a special connection to the River Falls community pool, where he first learned to swim and became a lifeguard.

Dan attended St. Bridget Parish School before going to River Falls High School, graduating in 1966. He was an athlete, participating in wrestling, swimming, and football. Dan was encouraged to attend college and attended UW-RF. There Dan became a member of Theta Chi Fraternity, making life-long friends, serving as Pledge Marshal and President of the organization. Prior to graduating from college, Dan enlisted in the Army, becoming a radar technician stationed near the DMZ in Vietnam. In 1973 Dan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education, with an emphasis on mathematics and the sciences. He later completed a Master of Education degree at St. Mary’s University in Winona, MN. Dan’s teaching career began at Northdale Junior High School in Coon Rapids, MN. A move to the Prescott Senior High School allowed him to teach the more challenging areas of mathematics and physics. After teaching for 32 years, Dan retired but found that he enjoyed the students so much that he continued as a math and science substitute teacher at Hudson High School for an additional 15 years.

Dan was a loving husband to Nancy for 52 years. Their union in 1972 at Newman Chapel in River Falls marked the beginning of a lifetime of love and partnership. Together, they raised their children, James and Kealy, with whom Dan shared a deep and meaningful connection. Dan was a very hands-on father, showing up for every event whether large or small. The family’s summers were filled with cross-country road trips and enjoying the outdoors. The addition of grandchildren and a great granddaughter to the family gave Dan great joy.

Over the years, Dan learned the skills to totally remodel their first home from the ground up. He enjoyed refinishing the antique furniture that filled their home. No matter where they lived Dan took pride in working with his hands to maintain their home. His love of swimming led to the construction of the backyard pool that became the central gathering place for friends and family. Traditional gatherings for family and friends were important to Dan, he and Nancy could always be counted on to plan events to get loved ones together. They hosted annual family reunions in their home and organized a yearly paddling trip down the Namekagon River for more than 50 years.

Dan’s favorite color was green for the Irish in him and he often said, “The big G stands for goodness, greatness, God, Gavin, and the Green Bay Packers.” Dan was a forever fan and stockholder of the Green Bay Packers and enjoyed being at Lambeau Field, whether they won or lost. Dan had a strong affinity for literature, particularly in the genres of mystery and sci-fi fantasy. He started each day with an expert level Sudoku puzzle. A stop at White Castle was a favorite whenever in St. Paul. He enjoyed having a beer with friends and always had a package of strawberry Twizzlers nearby to share with any visitors. His enduring spirit and kind heart touched the lives of all who knew him, leaving a lasting impact on his family, friends, and community.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife; Nancy, his children; James, and Kealy (Steve), his brothers; Tom (Karen), Ron (Leah), Jerry, Andy, and Gene. His grandchildren; Chantelle, Kole, and Fiona. His great-grandchild Guinevere, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins

Dan was preceded in death by: His parents; Joe and Katherine Gavin, sister-in-law Diane Gavin, brother-in-law Alvin Johnson, and sister-in-law Karen Gavin

Funeral services and ceremonies to celebrate the life of Dan Gavin will be held at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in River Falls, WI, Thursday, July 18th. Visitation will be 10 a.m- 12 p.m, followed by Memorial Service at Noon. A luncheon will be held after the services. A private burial will be held directly after for family at St. Bridget’s Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to:
The American Red Cross
Hudson Public Library
St. Joseph’s School in South Dakota