Daniel E. Soler

Daniel Soler was a kind and loyal soul who was passionate about changing the injustices found in a society that cares more about capital than the needs of the people. He believed that all people should have homes, food, safety, clean water, community care, and medical care. He never shied away from a discussion about how to increase the wages and reduce the costs of all those struggling to get by. In his role as the Financial Manager of WIMA (WI Milkweed Alliance), a local non-profit providing support to individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges, Daniel was a stalwart champion of policies to increase the wages of those providing support on-the-ground as well as all policies promoting the greatest benefit to those receiving support. Daniel understood the impact of poverty and used his lived experience to always advocate for fair wages and the greater good of all.

Daniel carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. Every day was spent doing the work to make the organization he served and the people he loved the best they could be. He was unapologetic in his resistance to social norms. He was authentic, genuine, honest to the core, and the kind of man who would challenge the people he loved to be their best selves. Daniel was a brilliant mind and a deep thinker. He spent his life witnessing the cruelty of a world that rejects people who are different. His ability to wax philosophical about the things that are wrong with the world will endure in the minds of everyone who knew and loved him. Like many brilliant deep thinkers who see and experience the dark side of human behavior, he held a pessimistic outlook on this world ever getting any better. He stayed for forty years because he loved his people. He would give up his last dollar and the shirt off his back if someone he loved was in need. Trust was never his strong suit. But once he learned that he could trust someone, he was devoted to them for life.

Daniel Soler was a foundational rock for his brokenhearted Smith-Tourville Family. We shared our lives and a family compound for more than two decades. When Daniel lost Riley and then his beloved dog Mason, his heart shattered beyond his capacity to continue. He leaves behind more people who loved and relied on him than he could possibly have ever comprehended. Daniel believed in his right to exit in his own way and his own time, even if his reason was not a terminal physical illness. We endlessly debated this topic.

In addition to the family he loved so fully, Daniel leaves behind co-leaders he adored. Emma, Andrew, and Dan were the leadership dream team. No one can imagine how a replacement match for Dan will ever be found. WIMA was a home and community for him. No one judged him for struggling. And they valued his exceptional ability to create absolutely perfect spreadsheets and time-and-again produce independent annual audits without a single error across his many years of service. Before becoming the Financial Manager, Daniel was the founding board treasurer for WIMA. He was there from the day the organization vision was brought to life and he lived the mission.

Daniel loved theater! He served as the Executive Director for the Menomonie Theater Guild for many years. He was a respected, visionary leader in his role.

When Daniel’s workday concluded, he could be found enjoying gaming, and nerdy board games, as well as collecting stamps, old coins, and quirky figurines. He loved to read and enjoyed good political debates—which he usually won, thanks to his wit, logic, and endless sarcasm. Daniel enjoyed the company of his hamster Arya and was never found without a pocket full of dog treats and tennis balls! Daniel (or “Dano”, as he is affectionately known in our family) loved to delight the little ones with popsicles, candy, and purchases of all kinds that were their favorites. He was known to do his fair share of spoiling every chance he got.

Daniel earned a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies from Fort Hays State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Sam Houston State University, graduating with honors for both. He was a proud first-generation college student who lived up to his fullest potential in every way.

Daniel is survived by Melissa [Big Mom] and Amanda [Lil Mom] Smith-Tourville, Sarah, Doug (Madeline), Jazmine, Nicole, Lindsay, Beef (Mere), Michael, Korvid, Keith (Sparrow), Christian, Kelan (Kara), August (Mykala), Amos, Robbie, Asha, Kale, Madysen, Evan, Willow, Jackie, Charlie, Gramma Gail and Grampa Brian Tourville, his beloved cousin Autumn, as well as his birthmother Danielle and biological brother, Michael.

He is preceded in death by Meagen (1991-2007), Riley (2003-2025), and his birthfather, Jesus. He was very recently preceded in death by his beloved doodle Mason who crossed over the rainbow bridge on May 14, 2026.

Daniel’s memory will live on in the lives of every person he touched. His wisdom and sound reason will be drawn upon whenever we are unsure what to do next. Daniel was a true gift to the world, our community, and our family. We were all lucky to have had him here for his forty years on this planet in all the ways that he shared himself with each of us.

Daniel requested that, in lieu of flowers, please donate to WIMA, where people find community, friendship, and hope (https://givebutter.com/WIMA). Hug those you love a little tighter today. Be generous. Be kind. Honor Daniel’s life by tipping well, fighting for the little guy, and making the world a gentler place.

A private service will be held on the Smith-Tourville homestead with those closest to Daniel at a later date.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com