Daniel Mark Wolter

Daniel Mark Wolter, 68, of Rhinelander, passed away peacefully at home on Christmas Eve after a long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of family.

Dan was born on October 1, 1957, in Beaver Dam, to Reinhardt and JoAn (Firehammer) Wolter. One of six children, he grew up enjoying the outdoors and developed a lifelong love of camping, fishing, and hunting — traditions he proudly passed down to his children and grandchildren.

In 1991, Dan married his best friend and partner in life, Deborah (Lighthall) Wolter. They shared 34 years of marriage, four children, and 18 grandchildren. Family meant everything to Dan, and he cherished the time spent with those he loved most.

Dan leaves behind his wife, Deborah; his children, Heather (Aaron) Taylor, Daniel (Lindsey Berard) Wolter, Amy (Jeff Crosier) Wolter, and Melissa Walkowski; his grandchildren, Noah, Kayleigh, Riley, Gage, Brayden, Parker, Madalyn, Austin, Landan, Myleigh, Kendall, Masan, Makayla, Maddison, Leighton, Maleah, Chase, and Beckett; his mother, JoAn Wolter; his sisters, Monica (Michael) Brummond, Kathleen (Jake) Batzler, and Collette (Larry) Villwock; his aunt Sharon (Stanley) Wolter and uncle Carl (Anne) Firehammer, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Reinhardt Wolter, his sister, Patricia Schraufnagel, and his brother, Brian Wolter.

In addition to hunting and fishing, Dan enjoyed stock car and snowmobile racing. He played football for the Mayville Cardinals during high school and was a devoted sports fan, especially of the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers and NASCAR.

He worked in the logging industry for many years and later worked for Sowinski Farms, where he remained until his retirement in 2023. In work and in life, Dan was known for his strong work ethic, his ability to connect with others, and his kind and gentle nature.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in Rhinelander with father Chris Kemp officiating. You may leave your private condolences for the Wolter family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home, 715-369-1414, is handling the arrangements for the family.

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.”- Helen Keller