Daniel A. Bongers, Little Chute, age 60, passed away on Thursday, October 11, 2012, surrounded by his family.

Dan was the oldest child of James "Jim" and Catherine "Kate" (Feldkamp) Bongers, born on June 25, 1952, in Appleton. He married Julie Schmidt on April 29, 1977, at St. Aloysius Parish in Kaukauna. He was a proud graduate of St. John High School (class of 1970) and Fox Valley Technical College. Dan retired from U.S. Oil Co., Inc. after 38 years, where he was President of U.S. Tire and Exhaust for 15 years.

Dan was an all-around great guy. He was a very creative, talented and patient man who could often be found tinkering in the garage, whether it was building, repairing, inventing, or teaching someone else a new skill. Extremely generous with his time and talents, Dan always looked for ways to help other people. He was a project manager for Rebuilding Together Fox Valley's Project Day for several years. The ultimate DIY handyman, he would fix anything for anyone, and he went out of his way to take care of others.

Dan made family and friends a priority. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with loved ones at the cottage on Lake Poygan. A member of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, he had a strong faith, attending Mass every Sunday, and in recent years on Tuesdays in support of Terry Huiting. Together, Dan and Julie enjoyed many vacations with friends and family. He loved a good practical joke and had a great sense of humor. He was a caring son, thoughtful brother, loving husband, wonderful father, incredible papa and great friend.

Dan is survived by his wife of 35 years, Julie; children: Jacquelyn (Michael) Sharkey, Appleton; Michael Bongers, Menomonee Falls; and Gregory (Laurie) Bongers, Milwaukee; grandchildren: Ethan and Grace Sharkey; parents: Jim and Kate Bongers; sisters: Bonnie (Kevin) Bell and Mary Jo (Dave) Hermsen; father-in-law: Raymond (LaVerne) Schmidt; and sisters and brothers-in-law: Jane Kaufman, Albert (Shirley) Schmidt and Wallie (Amy) Schmidt. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Dan was preceded in death by Julie's mother, Carol "Tweet" (Zornow) Schmidt; and brother-in-law, Joe Kaufman.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 18, 2012, at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 S. Pine St., Little Chute) beginning at 12:00 Noon until time of Mass at 5:00 p.m. The Rev. James Hablewitz will officiate. Committal St. John Cemetery. A memorial is being established.