Daniel Francis Boyce
What do you remember about Daniel? Share your stories and photos here, and invite others to come share their memories.
Dan went on to his next adventure Nov. 7, 2021 at age 77 in his beloved Milwaukee. Born to Midge (Marion Collins) and "Big Frank" Aug. 25, 1944, Dan was the proud big brother of Curt (Linda Frett), Mary Frances "Sance" (the late Jim Sharpe), Patrick (Sue Porter) and the late Grace. Dan cherished his childhood years, especially long summer days spent with cousins on Indian Lake in Dowagiac, Mich.
Dan led a life rooted in love of language, learning and storytelling. Born and raised in Oak Park, Ill., Dan was a proud Chicagoan who made Milwaukee his home by way of Marquette University. This is where he met lifelong friends, most notably Joan (nee Garbarino), his wife of 52 years. The stories from those days are legendary and laid the groundwork for the life Dan and Joan built on 90th Street with their children Collin (Margaret Huebner), Katie (Dan Ebert) Boyce and Eileen (Brad Bland) Boyce.
Family was the center of Dan's universe. He passed along a love of politics, reading and writing that is alive and well in his children. Dan always made time to share a fire, a great recipe, a Badger football game or a Marquette basketball game with his children, in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews. But it was Dan's grandchildren who stole the show. Bridie, Michael, Declan, Norah, Aidan, Teddy and Maggie were Grampa's main source of pride, especially in his later years.
Drawn to a life in public service, Dan spent 30 years working for the city of Milwaukee, retiring as the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of City Development. Dan's love of Wisconsin ran deep, especially his countless trips to the Northwoods, where tales of fishing, boat rides, and "mental backrubs" will never be matched.
Dan had an outsized influence on our lives that no amount of Irish stubbornness can erase. We'll miss his stories and one liners, but we know them by heart and are already sharing them with the next generation. We are assured knowing that in the end, he did it his way.
Visitation Saturday, November 13 at THREE HOLY WOMEN PARISH- ST. HEDWIG CHURCH from 9:00 AM - 10:45 AM with a time of reflection at 10:45 and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Followed by a gathering and reception.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Dan's name to Tosa Cares, Red Cloud Indian School or Seasons Hospice Foundation, where we'll be forever grateful for the kindness and compassionate care of the nursing staff, who made sure Dan's final hours were spent listening to Da Bears.