Daniel Gharrity

In Loving Memory of Daniel George Gharrity

April 6, 1958 - May 12, 2025

The world shifted quietly the day Daniel George Gharrity took his last breath-May 12th, 2025-wrapped in love and surrounded by the people who knew him best. A husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, a son-Dan wore many titles, but above all, he was the steady heartbeat of his family.

Born on April 6th, 1958, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Marjorie and William Gharrity, Dan was raised in the kind of home where hard work, wit, and loyalty were currency. He graduated from North High School in 1976, and shortly after, left to serve as a U.S. Marine. Those values he learned early ran deep in his blood and showed up every day in the way he lived: quiet, dependable, full of grace and grit.

In 1989, Dan married his "princess," Renee. Their love story was one of true partnership, laughter, and deep devotion. He retired from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire just two years ago. One of his greatest joys was spending time with Renee at their trailer in Weyerhaueser, Wisconsin. He loved riding the trails on the side-by-side, sitting by the fire as the sun went down-good music playing, good friends close, and a cold one in hand.

He was a man of quiet impact. He didn't need attention or applause to matter-he simply did. He was the one who showed up. The one who made things work. The one who knew how to fix what broke, and how to sit with what couldn't be fixed.

There was a strength in him that didn't shout-it stood.

He didn't say "I love you"-he just made sure your tires were checked. He'd hand you a flashlight before you knew you'd need one. His kind of love lived in actions, not announcements. And now, I see him every time I check the locks, every time I fix something myself instead of asking for help. He is in those quiet instincts that tell me what safe feels like.

He leaves behind a family built strong and tender from his love. His mother, Marjorie Gharrity; his wife and partner, Renee Lavicka-Gharrity; and his two children-Connor (Ashley) Gharrity and Brigit Kitzberger-who carry his heart forward in their own quiet ways.

Dan's legacy lives vividly in his grandchildren, Elias and Charlie, who knew him not just as a grandfather, but as a safe place, a steady presence, and a quiet kind of magic. The kind of love that doesn't fade-it settles in, and stays.

He is also remembered with love by his siblings: Beth (Neil) Gharrity-Johnson, Patrick (Kim) Gharrity, Joseph (Barb) Gharrity, and Margaret (Mark) Phillips- each a keeper of the stories and laughter that shaped a family.

Dan cherished his family and his friends. Though his hands are now still, the work they did endures-in every home he helped build, every soul he helped steady, every life he quietly made better just by being in it.

He showed us what it meant to love without needing credit. And now, we honor him not just in words, but in how we live. How we care. How we show up for each other-just like he always did.

And in the quiet moments, the everyday rituals, the smallest choices made with love-he is there. Still guiding us. Still holding us steady. Still home.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.