Obituary of Daniel Paul Ferguson

"DIESEL DAN DIED" We think more needs to be said; Daniel P. Ferguson was the third of nine children born to Romanian immigrants, Anna (Rakoic) and John Ferguson-Fagaton in Stephenson, Michigan. He graduated from high school in Stephenson, MI and entered the United States Army. He was stationed in Guam and honorably discharged in 1946. He was married to Charlotte Wahlen on March 25, 1944. As a young man Daniel managed Schultz Brother's Dime Stores in Neillsville and Chippewa Falls. His claim to fame was introducing the Hula Hoop to the Schultz Brother's store. He meticulously hand decorated 100's of chocolate Easter bunnies into the wee hours of the night. He always took two of his kids to the dime store after hours, much to our delight, as we were able to help ourselves to the many candy bins and warm cashews and comic books. We wheeled each other around on the freight dolly and played boss in Dads elevated office which doubled as a good perch for Dad to watch for shoplifters during business hours. He chased many a thief on foot down the streets of Chippewa Falls. Every Sunday after mass the whole family would go into the store as a parakeet or two had always managed to get free. We could hear Dad throughout the store ....."Here pretty bird, here pretty bird, here pretty bird...come here you damn pretty bird." He later owned his own clothing store in Breckenridge, Minnesota. He and Charlotte returned to Wisconsin in 1967. He continued in retail until he began a job as a Fuel Delivery Driver for Jefferson County Farmco, retiring in 1987. Daniel was a devoted husband and father. In his youth he enjoyed skiing and participated in ski jumping contests in Michigan. Daniel loved the simple things in life; family, laughter and being outside in nature. Growing up on a farm inspired his love of gardening. He grew amazing raspberries and tomatoes. Daniel enjoyed a good martini, the New York Yankees, card playing and his grandchildren. Daniel kept us laughing. His sense of humor was a gift to his children, grandchildren and friends. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parishes, a charter member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion Reinhardt-Windl Post 164 of Jefferson. He and Charlotte volunteered in their community in many ways. His Catholic Faith was a mainstay of his life from childhood to his passing. God took him peacefully to join his beloved Charlotte, on Sunday March 6, 2016 with family at his side at the Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota where he resided for the past two years and was lovingly cared for by an amazing staff. Blessed be the memory of Daniel Ferguson. He leaves behind 4 children Daniel (Carleen) Ferguson Jr. of Hot Springs Village, AR Gerald (Gail) Ferguson of Moorhead MN, daughters Judith Humann, of Battle Lake, MN, Susan (Robert) Thomsen of Jefferson, WI 10 Grandchildren Tana (Rob) Brennan, Samuel (Gwen) Humann, Joel (Sara) Ferguson, Joseph (Sara) Humann, Jay (Stephanie) Thomsen, Benjamin (Kelly Cameron) Ferguson, Kelly (Matthew Gerhartz) Thomsen, Andrew (Jaime) Humann, William (Katie) Ferguson, Peter Ferguson, 11 Great grandchildren; Ryan, Rowan, Maxwell, Sydney, Danny, Finley, Dane, Alexis, Avery, Henry, and George. 3 Brothers Nick Ferguson, Louie Ferguson, Sam Ferguson, and Sister Mary Weinschott and 3 sisters in law Lois, Mae, and Purina. Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday March 12, 2016 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jefferson with the Rev. Thomas Coyle officiating. Military honors will follow the Mass. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Schneider- Michaelis Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements Visit www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or light a candle in his memory.