A beautiful soul has left us for a better place with God. Dr. Daniel Ignatius Kegel passed away June 22, 2015, at the age of 95. Dr. Dan was born in the back room of his family’s home in Milwaukee on September 28, 1919, the fourth of six children. He attended St. Rose elementary school and Marquette High School. A graduate of Marquette University, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps-then the Army and served his country as a medic in War II. After the war, he attended Texas A & M University, was accepted to medical school in Des Moines, IA and received his medical degree in 1949. He practiced Family Medicine in Milwaukee until his retirement in 1989. Dr. Dan married Jane Elizabeth Fischer in 1949. They built a home in Elm Grove, WI. In 1961 they bought a summer home (his favorite place) on Black Oak Lake in northern Wisconsin. Dr. Dan was a life-long member of the American Legion. Jane preceded him in death in 2010.
Dr. Dan leaves behind a daughter, Mary Danielle (Michael) Bina, Green Bay, and a son, Michael (Holly) Kegel of Moses Lake, WA. He is also survived by four grandsons, Daniel (Liz) Kegel, WA, Dominic (Susan) Kegel, Chicago, Joseph Bina, Los Angeles and Mick Bina, Green Bay; and one great grandson, Finland Kegel. He is also survived by one sister, Rosemary Armstrong, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Jane; and four siblings, Fred, Bill, Ruth, and Nora.
A gathering in remembrance of Dr. Dan’s life will take place at Holy Cross Church, 3009 Bay Settlement Road, Friday, June 26, 2015 from 9am until the time of the Memorial Mass at 10am with the Rev. Robert E. Rhyner officiating. Another service and celebration will be held in Land O’ Lakes, WI later this summer. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Land O’ Lakes.
The family would like to thank Bornemann Nursing Home for their care and compassion at the end of Dan’s life, and all of his friends at Bellevue Retirement Community.
Please have a Catholic Mass said for Dr. Dan. A memorial fund has been set up for Dan’s favorite charities, especially the Black Oak Lake Preservation Foundation.
Dr. Dan will always be remembered for his strong faith in God, his optimistic spirit and his great sense of humor. He was a sensitive, smart, loving man who lived life fully.
Please say a prayer for Dr. Dan. As he said, “There is no greater gift than a prayer.”