Daniel Lee Close

Daniel Lee Close, age 78, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 3, 2026, in Cape Coral Florida. He was born May 14, 1947 in Knapp WI to Mildred (Maves) Close and Joy Edgar Close. He grew up in Knapp WI and was a member of the Knapp United Methodist Church. He graduated from Menomonie High School in 1965, and earned a Teaching Degree in Industrial Arts from UW Stout in 1971. He worked for the Knapp Creamery Company family business, while he was in school. After he graduated, he held teaching jobs in Lodi WI, Des Plaines IL, and Hoffman Estates IL. He worked in the Hardware Dept. at JC Penney, during those summers. In the later years, he worked for his brother-in-law at Belke Manufacturing in Chicago IL, and then part time at Home Depot during retirement, in Chicago and in Cape Coral FL.

He met the love of his life, Kathleen Heimke, at UW Stout, and they were married on August 1, 1970 in Sheboygan WI. They lived in Madison WI and Niles IL, before building their home and settling in Hoffman Estates IL. Together they had 3 sons; Daniel Lee Jr. (passed at birth), Christian Daniel, and Michael Joy (passed at age 11 months).

Dan was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was an avid water skier, including performing the Kite Act during the Menomin Trolls Waterski Shows, in Menomonie WI. He also enjoyed snow skiing, including helicopter drops into the back country in Lake Tahoe Nevada. He and Kathy loved to travel, and had many memorable experiences with Christian, as they visited 48 of the 50 states. They also enjoyed boating and fishing with Christian on local waterways, and spending time with family at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. In the latter years he loved spending time with his grandchildren Sebastian, Kiaya, and Lyla. He always had a camera handy, to capture all of life's cherished moments.

Dan is survived by:

His son: Christian Close (Jessica Eng) of Cape Coral FL

His grandson: Christian and Jessica's son Sebastian Close

His granddaughters: Jessica's daughters Kiaya and Lyla Sunn

His Brothers: David (Georgene) Close of Knapp WI and Dennis (Roxanne) Close of Menomonie WI

His Sister: Melissa (John) Boldon of Knapp WI

His Sister-In-Law: Kathleen (Dropik) Close of Altoona WI

He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Dan was preceded in death by:

His Grandparents: Edgar H. and Selma (Olson) Close William F. and Amanda (Schroeder) Maves

His parents: Joy E. and Mildred (Maves) Close

His wife: Kathleen E. (Heimke) Close

His sons: Daniel Lee Jr. and Michael Joy Close

His brother: Duane Close

A Celebration of Life will be held:

Saturday May 30, 2026

10:00 AM Visitation 11:00 AM Service with lunch following

Knapp United Methodist Church; 203 Main Street Knapp, WI 54749

Flowers should be sent directly to the church, the morning of the service. Cards may be sent to:

Dan Close Family c/o Dave Close

219 2nd Ave E.

Knapp WI, 54749

Burial will be at a later date:

Memory Gardens Cemetery

2501 East Euclid Avenue

Arlington Heights IL 60004

Obituary Courtesy of Olson Funeral Home, Menomonie WI

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