Paff, Daniel

VISITATION:

9 - 11 a.m., Thursday, September 3, 2015 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1300 Mansfield St., Chippewa Falls

SERVICE:

11 a.m., Thursday, September 3, 2015 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1300 Mansfield St., Chippewa Falls

Daniel H. Paff, 79, of Chippewa Falls, town of Wheaton, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 28, 2015 at the Rochester Methodist Hospital, from a blood clot following surgery.

He was born December 23, 1935 to Irene (Meyer) and Herbert Paff. He graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School in 1954.

Following high school, Dan enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves, and served for several years. He then earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees and taught mathematics throughout his career, at Chippewa Falls High School for many years.

Dan was a man of multiple talents. He had large beautiful flower and vegetable gardens that he took great pride in. He started raising pigeons at the age of 10. One of his many passions which spanned over 30 years included operating a hobby farm where he raised miniature horses, pigeons, chickens, rabbits and goats. He was also a musician and for many years played trumpet for various local bands, including his own, Melody Masters. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, horseshoes, bowling, and playing cards. He was active in the West Central Wisconsin Pigeon and Poultry Club, serving as president for many years and was also a poultry judge at many fairs.

Dan suffered from numerous ear infections as a child which resulted in severe hearing loss. This hearing loss was an obstacle which he did his best to manage throughout his life. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and was a man of compassion. He will be dearly missed by his family and his many friends.

He is survived by the love of his life, Judy (Gunderman) Novak of Chippewa Falls; two daughters, Pam (John) Thatcher, Cheryl Gravela; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and great-grandchildren, all of Hawaii; two sisters, Mary (LeRoy) Steves of Chippewa Falls, Priscilla (Clair Martin) Wardlow of Goodyear, AZ; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Joe (Cathy) Couey of Eau Claire, who Dan thought of as a son; DeeDee (Kurt) Hanke of Goodyear, AZ, who was thought of as a daughter; and Judy's daughter, Debra (Rodney) Larson and their children, Ryan and Jacob, all of Colfax.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert Paff; a sister, Bette Nelson; a brother-in-law, Ed Nelson; a nephew, Jeffrey Nelson; and Debra and Rodney's son, Michael Larson.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, September 3 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls with Rev. Paul Oppedahl officiating. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., Thursday at the church.

AFTERSERVICE:

A funeral service for Daniel H. Paff, 79, of Chippewa Falls, town of Wheaton, was held at 11 a.m., Thursday, September 3 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls. The Rev. Paul Oppedahl officiated and music was provided by organist, Barbara Sandford and soloist, Peter Lea.

Interment was at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls and those serving as casket bearers were Smokey Rykal, Tom Gunderman, Rodney Larson, Joe Couey, Romeo David and John Harper.