Daniel Roman Dreifuerst, age 80, of St. Cloud, passed peacefully on Sunday afternoon, January 18, 2026, at home, surrounded by the love of his family. With their presence and prayers, they gently ushered him into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Daniel was born on November 25, 1945, in his family home in St. Cloud to Francis and Clara (Karls) Dreifuerst, who preceded him in death.

On May 7, 1966, Daniel married the love of his life, Mary Salchert, at St. Cloud Catholic Church. Their marriage was one of devotion, faith, and deep love, and together they built a beautiful life and family.

Daniel enlisted in the military in September 1965. Shortly after completing boot camp, he returned home to marry his sweetheart, Mary. Following additional training in California, where their first child, Steve, was born, Dan and Mary moved to Gulfport, Mississippi, reporting to the military base in Biloxi. He completed advanced combat training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in preparation for deployment to Vietnam. In January 1968, Dan deployed with the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 128. He returned home in October 1968 on one of the final flights out of Da Nang, joyfully reuniting with his wife and their growing family.

After his military service, Daniel began a 34-year career with GTE/AT&T. He and Mary raised their four children together, instilling in them the values of hard work, faith, and family. Dan had a deep passion for ancestry, the history of the Holy Land, and the families who have lived there through generations.

His sweet smile, famous chili, love of good food, careful organization, and unwavering love for his family will always be remembered.

Daniel will be fondly remembered for his quiet dedication to honoring local veterans, often serving humbly behind the scenes. He especially cherished marching alongside fellow veterans during annual Memorial Day services.

Daniel had a sweet love for Jesus and found joy in spending time on his land and treasured his roles as husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is lovingly survived by his children: Steve (Tina) Dreifuerst of Neenah, Wendy Bodden of Stockbridge, James (Katherine) Dreifuerst of Appleton, and Jessica (Brian) Burg of St. Cloud; his grandchildren: Ty (Paige) Bodden, Stephanie (Jorden) Jensen, Ashley (Mike) Biese, Mandy (Zach) Woelfel, Caleb Dreifuerst, Peyton Dreifuerst, Madelyn Burg, Ethan Dreifuerst, Ellie Burg; and his great-grandchildren: Jace Biese, Emma Biese, Leora Bodden, Ava Biese, Eliana Bodden, Mason Biese and Grace Jensen.

He is also survived by his brothers: David Dreifuerst of Florida, Joe (Carol) Dreifuerst of Rhinelander, Mark Dreifuerst of Neenah, and Neil (Carol) Dreifuerst of Elkhart Lake; his beloved Salchert brothers and sisters, with whom he shared many cherished memories; and his two faithful companions, Cooper and Buddy.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Clara Dreifuerst; his parents-in-law, Elmer and Leora Salchert; his brother-in-law, Jerry Salchert; his great-grandchildren, Elijah Bodden; and unborn great-grandchildren, whom he now holds close in heaven.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who walked alongside Dan on his journey, including his dedicated healthcare teams at Aurora and the VA Clinic; the VA Fisher House, which lovingly housed our family during Dan's extended stays; the Mt. Calvary and St. Cloud EMTs; the Fond du Lac County Police Department; and Helen and Jim Sippel, all of whom provided such compassionate care and support to Dan and the family along the way.

Services:

A military send-off and visitation will be held at Sippel Funeral Home, 1311 Thorp Street, St. Cloud, WI 53079, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a Christian service at 12:30 p.m., officiated by Pastor John Slotten.

Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at the Cabaret Supper Club, where a luncheon will be served at 2:00 p.m. A private family burial will take place at St. Cloud Cemetery on Monday.