Daniel Bugarsky

IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. - Daniel Bugarsky, 67, of Hurley, Wis., passed away Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014, at the Oscar G. Johnson Veteran's Medical Center, Iron Mountain after courageously battling a long illness. His legacy will always live on in his wife, three children and grandson, and his incredible spirit will be carried on throughout his extended family and friends.

He was born July 30, 1947, in Marinette, Wis., son of the late Peter and Dorothy (Gradijan) Bugarsky.

Dan grew up in Crivitz, Wis., where he spent his time water and snow skiing, playing basketball, football and running track. He graduated from Crivitz High School, Class of 1965. Dan served heroically in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and received a Bronze Star as well as several commendation medals for his outstanding service. After his honorable discharge he relocated to Crivitz.

He married his high school sweetheart, Donelle Ann Witt on Oct. 18, 1969. Dan was a true entrepreneur at heart. He owned and operated several businesses which include the Red Owl Grocery Store and Dan's Fine Foods, both in Crivitz. His most recent venture, for the past 32 years, was the Big Powderhorn Cheese and Gift Haus in Bessemer.

Dan changed a lot of people's lives because of his commitment and involvement to his family, friends and community. His enthusiasm for life and his exigency to bring joy to others lead him to be one of the founding members of the Crivitz Ski Cats Waterski Club. Dan's life has been an inspiration to many. He was never in a room without a friend and thoroughly enjoyed conversation. To give the "shirt off his back" to a person in need was common for Dan. It was "no problem" to solve the most difficult situation and move that mountain against all odds. He was a "safe harbor" at sea to his family.

Dan adored his children and could always be found skiing, boating, building forts, walking in the woods, playing at the beach, fishing and mentoring. He was a talented artist and an amazing cook----his chicken preprikash, stuffed plums, palachinkas and pigs in a blanket are Croatian signature dishes fondly remembered and enjoyed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Donelle; two sons, Daniel "Peter" (Caryn) Bugarsky, Daytona Beach, Fla., Samuel "Sam" Donald (Alena) Bugarsky, Plainfield, Ill .; a daughter, Angela Dorothy Bugarsky Crouch, Daytona Beach; a treasured grandson, Daniel George Bugarsky Crouch, Daytona Beach; a cherished uncle, Aleck (Sally) Gradijan and family, in Arizona; and one sister, Marge (Daniel) Banaszak, Crivitz.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, from 10-11 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, Waupaca, Wis., military honors will be accorded at the church. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be held 1 p.m. at Central Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, King, Wis.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain to honor Daniel's legacy of life.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Daniel, or leave a condolence for his family online at JacobsFuneralHomes.com.