Daniel P. Nordhaus' Obituary
Daniel Paul Nordhaus, 62, of Oshkosh sailed into the sunset of eternal life on May 4th, 2023 and was greeted by his loving wife, Delynn Nordhaus, who preceded him in death three and a half months ago. Our hearts have been broken a second time, but we are joyful to know the angels and saints are singing as Dan and Delynn are together once again.
Dan was born on November 30, 1960, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Dan was the youngest of four sons born to Philip and Doris (Nelson) Nordhaus, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law Gary and Kathy Nordhaus of Oshkosh, Wisconsin and James and Patty Nordhaus of Madison, Wisconsin. His brother Richard Nordhaus preceded Dan in death.
Dan had many passions in life. In his early years he found joy on the lake in winter on an ice boat, and in summer on a sailboat. He was currently following The Ocean Race. He loved to share updates and took his virtual sailing race very seriously. He was so proud to share his daily race updates. Dan was also an avid bicyclist and put on many miles every summer until his health didn’t allow him to ride any longer. Affectionately called Dan, Dan, the Zipper Man, for many years by family and friends, for zipping tent windows and door flaps, Dan was looking forward to a five day long planned camping trip to get away and enjoy some time with his own thoughts in the silence of the woods. Dan was a loyal project engineer for more than half of his life and taught his family to always be proud of the work that they did. All of the above listed passions took a backseat to his family. Dan and the late Delynn (Lillie), were married on September 23, 1989. They enjoyed and celebrated 33 years of marriage and are now together again in the arms of the angels. He was always the happiest, and the most proud, when he was with his grandchildren. He absolutely loved being a Grandpa and Daddo.
Dan will be lovingly remembered by daughters, Terri (Tristan) Shepherd of Bend, Oregon and Tori (Ryne) Lodl of Appleton, WI, and three grandchildren who he loved dearly, Maxwell and Tessa Shepherd and William Lodl (and grand-fur babies: Louie, Ande, and Hattie). He is further survived by very special nieces, Kimberlee Holleyman (Oklahoma), and Annemarie (Jeremy) Birschbach (Oshkosh), nephews, Bradley (Tina) Nordhaus (Madison), and Michael Nordhaus (Oshkosh) and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mike and Anne Lillie. Dan will be further remembered and missed by many other family and friends.
Dan was a true hero to all who knew him. As a Type 1 Diabetic for nearly 50 years, he lived life to its full potential every single day. Diagnosed as well with rheumatoid arthritis at 26 years old, he had to learn how to live through flare ups that often took his mobility from him. Dan taught his family and friends that everyday may not be a great day, but there is something great in every day. Keep going, push on, and don’t complain because it could be worse. His determination was admirable and we will carry that determination with us as we go forward for the rest of our lives. His strong examples will never be erased by his untimely passing.
The family also wishes to thank the first responders and those that helped in Dan’s final moments before he was greeted at the gates of heaven.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 10th, at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Omro (730 Madison Ave). A visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 am at the Church, followed immediately by a funeral mass and then luncheon. (For those that can’t attend in person, the funeral mass will be live-streamed from the St. Mary’s Church website - https://www.stmarychurches.org/.) In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you hug your family and friends extra tight and find an opportunity for a random act of kindness. For those who wish to express sympathy, condolences may be sent to the family or please consider making a donation to your favorite charity in Dan’s name.
May the angels lead you into paradise…zip, zip.
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