Daniel ‘Dan’ M. Adamec, age 56, of Merrill, passed away after a long, courageous battle with cancer, on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at the Wausau Aspirus Hospice House, while surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 21, 1962 to Gerald and Judy (Smith) Adamec in Milwaukee, WI. His mother, Judy, survives. Dan attended and graduated from Merrill High School. Dan met the love of his life, Brenda Engel, and the two exchanged marriage vows on October 25, 1986 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. She survives.
Dan worked for over 30 years for the Lincoln County Highway Department as a highway patrolman. He also drove school bus for Wendorf and drove truck for Ray Engel Construction. Dan was involved with so many things, all of which let him spend a lot of time outdoors. He was a member of the Lincoln County Houndsman Association, lifetime member of the NRA, ATV safety instructor, member of the Wisconsin Trail Patrols, founding member and past vice-president of the Harrison Hills ATV Club, Ham Radio Club, Storm Chasers and a member of the Wisconsin ATV Association. Dan was very proud of being the Merrill High School bowling coach for many years and was thrilled to be WIAA sanctioned. He was inducted into the Merrill Bowling Hall of Fame on November 10, 2018. Dan and Brenda were very active on a bowling league for 37 years together. He also had a passion for hunting and fishing and would look forward to his trips to “The Farm” in the Gleason area. Dan was fun to be around and was always giving positive comments and loved making people laugh. He was a true role model for not only his children and grandchildren, but to many other youths that he met. Dan and his family would look forward to their ATV trips to the Harrison Hills. He would always make a point to attend as many of the kids’ sporting events as possible. The kids looked forward to him helping them build snow forts every winter. Dan will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.
Dan is survived by his mother: Judy Adamec-Erno of Merrill, his loving wife of 32 years: Brenda Adamec, son: Nathaniel (Andrea) Adamec of Fox Valley, WI, daughter: Olivia (Bradley) Anderson of Madison, WI and son: Raymond Adamec of Merrill. He is further survived by his beloved grandchildren: Aven and Brody, sisters: Jeannette (John) Whitt of Liberty Hill, TX, Jennifer (Tony) Blank of Fox Burrow, WI, Jamie (Lucio) Vallejo of Pewaukee, WI, brother: Phil Erno of Merrill, stepmother: Barb Adamec of Pewaukee, WI, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, and his best buddy: “Jake” Dan is preceded in death by his grandparents, father: Gerald Adamec, his in-laws, some nieces, nephews and brother-in-law’s and his best friend: Rick Renken.
A Funeral Service for Dan will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 3pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. The Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday. December 14, 2018 from 4pm-8pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill, and again on Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 2pm until the time of service, also at the church.
In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations in Dan’s name be directed to the Wausau Aspirus Hospice House, Jessi’s Wish or the American Cancer Society. Family would like to extend a sincere and grateful thank you to the staff at the Hospice House and to Aspirus Oncology, Dr. Peterson and his staff. The support, care, and compassion that was shown to Dan and his family will never be forgotten.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.