Home » Obits » Gustke, Danny L.

Gustke, Danny L.

Danny Lewis “Butch” “Elvis” Gustke, age 66 of Waupaca, formerly of Redgranite, passed away early Monday morning, Sept. 15, 2014 at his home surrounded by the love of his family. 

He was born May 20, 1948 in Redgranite, a son of Charles William and Ruth Edith (Pick) Gustke. He was raised in Redgranite. Dan volunteered for the draft and served his country in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. He finished high school and received his diploma while in the service. Dan married Barbara Jean Buckland on October 7, 1969 in Atlanta, Georgia. Barbara, his wife of 45 years, survives. After his time in service, Dan and Barb moved to Greene, New York where he was employed as a mechanic at an auto dealership. They moved to Redgranite in 1970 where Dan was employed by the Village. He wore many hats there. He was a part time village police officer, worked on the village streets, plowed snow, worked at the sewer and water utility, dug graves at the village cemetery, and picked up the trash. He moved to the village of Almond and became a village employee there. Dan moved to Waupaca, and has lived there until the present time. He was employed at the Waupaca Foundry for over 32 1/2 years as a forklift driver until he retired in early 2009. He then worked part-time at Marvin Metals in delivery until April of this year, when ill health forced his retirement. 

Dan enjoyed his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, riding his motorcycle, bow hunting, fishing, the Green Bay Packers, and raising horses, cats and dogs. He was a fanatic about his lawn. It was the pride of the neighborhood. At Christmastime he greatly enjoyed playing Santa Claus. Dan loved polka music, of course Elvis movies, old westerns, and cutting wood. He was strong willed, and very supportive of his family and friends. He enjoyed his morning newspapers, and they better be delivered on time. Dan was a member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca, the Waupaca Knights of Columbus, and the Almond American Legion. 

Survivors include: his wife, of 45 years, Barbara; two daughters, Tina (Glen) Newsome and Paulene Kipke (Frank Proszenyak); two sons, Danny (Cheryl) Gustke Jr. and Teddy Gustke; his grandchildren, Andrew (Annamarie) Kipke, Steven (Bonnie) Proszenyak, Jamie and Brittany Bockin, Sheridan Gustke, Nicole (Jamie) Dain, Evan and C’era Gustke; and great-grandchildren, Nora Kipke, Lukas O’rear, Cole and Kalob Gossett, and Carter Dain. Dan is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Dick (Marcella) Gustke, Jerry (Betty) Gustke, Marie (Gordie) Osborne, Larry Gustke, Terry (Susan) Gustke, Cheryl (Jessie) Gonzales and Rick “Gus” Gustke, and a sister-in-law, Emily (the late James) Gustke. Also surviving are nieces, nephews, other relatives, and good friends. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, James Gustke, Joyce and Ronnie Schneider, and Susan Gustke. 

Visitation for Dan Gustke will be held Thursday, Sept. 18th. from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Ruminski Funeral Home in Redgranite and then on Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., prior to the Mass at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, N2845 Shadow Road in Waupaca. The Mass of Christian Burial follows at 11:00 a.m. with Father Amalraj Roche as Celebrant. Burial with full Military Honors will be in the Parish Cemetery. A Memorial has been established. The Ruminski Funeral Home of Redgranite is assisting the family with arrangements.

Scroll to Top