Daniel F. Koleske passed away on June 11, 2021. He was 84 years old.
He was born in Racine, WI on February 1, 1937, son of the late Frank and Veronica (Feest) Koleske. Dan was the youngest of their 13 children. He and Shirley M. Jensen united in marriage on August 16, 1958 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Racine, WI.
Dan was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Grade School and St. Catherine’s High School in Racine. He obtained his teaching certificate from the Racine-Kenosha County Teacher’s College and his B.A. from Dominican College. For 33 years, he taught in elementary and middle schools in the Racine County Unified School System, including Caddy Vista, Jones, and Jerstad-Agerholm schools.
Dan was a member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church and had previously been a member of St. Joseph’s and St. Edwards’ churches. He enjoyed nature and gardening, woodcarving, cooking, dining out, and spending time with family and friends. Dan loved music and sang with the Racine Dairy Statesmen, the Church Singers, and various barbershop quartets and also led singalongs at the Parkview apartments. Dan also enjoyed telling humorous stories about his life growing up with his brothers and sisters on the farm.
Survivors include his spouse of 63 years, Shirley Koleske, and their sons Matthew (Sharon) Koleske of Eagle, ID, and Tony (Ruth) Koleske of Cheshire, CT; daughter-in-law Julianna of Albuquerque, NM, and seven grandchildren: Claire Koleske (William Zimmerman) of Seattle, WA, Nicholas Koleske of San Diego, CA, Adam Koleske of Albuquerque, NM, Megan Koleske of San Francisco, CA, Milo Koleske of Albuquerque, NM, Benjamin Koleske of Baltimore, MD, and Emily Koleske of Boston, MA; sister-in-law Linda (Steven) Rumachik of Burlington, WI, brother-in-law Roy Jensen of Melrose, FL, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Daniel D. Koleske and his siblings and their spouses: Francis (Laura) Koleske, Paul (Josephine) Koleske, Louis (Rose) Koleske, Mark (Sandy) Koleske, John (Roberta) Koleske, Marie Koleske, Hildegard (Eugene) Walsh, Eleanor (George) Beyer, Rita (Sam) Barranco, Joan (Joe) Adamek, Lawrence (Mary and LaVerne) Koleske, and Elaine (Ray) Jones.
A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church at 11 a.m. The family will receive guests on Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 10 a.m. until the time of mass.
Dan requested that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory be made to the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org)
I’m Kim Sipher Koleske Guy Koleskes oldest daughter. I remember him being very kind. My prayers to the immediate family.
Dan was my cooperating teacher (6th grade) back in 1965-66 at Lincoln School. Dan was just so kind and so nice. Loved his sense of humor and his guidance through that part of my road to teaching. He made things look so easy. I so remember having to take over the class one day as they needed an emergency teacher in another room. I got to music class and quickly realized that Dan was so good that he made teaching music look so easy. I managed, but sure realized the talent he had for music that I did not do as well. I loved that time with him. I was really blessed to have him and have good memories from that time. Great teacher, a really nice guy. Thanks, Dan. Learned a lot from you.
I loved to listen to him sing!
What a kind and gentle soul he was – now reunited with his 12 brothers and sisters.
May Christ bestow on Uncle Dan the promise of everlasting life for believing in Him and following His teachings…
I had Mr. Koleske for a teacher at Jerstad- Agerholm in the mid ’80’s. He was a very kind person. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing.
Shirley,
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to you and your family!
Chuck and Jane Bragg
I remember Uncle Dan at many family gatherings. I especially remember him shooting hoops with the guys on the Fourth of July, his kindness and his outstanding singing voice at family weddings.
Now the last of the 13 remarkable Koleske siblings has entered heaven. Like his siblings, Uncle Dan passed his love and life lessons to his children and to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
May he Rest In Peace.
We are very sorry to read about Dan. Shirley, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Shirley,
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Chuck and Jane Bragg
I had the privilege of teaching with Dan at Jerstad-Agerholm Middle School. Dan’s humor brought much needed laughter to the teacher’s lounge. Dan also sang beautifully at my wedding in 1990. He was a great teacher! My thoughts and prayers are with Shirley and the family. May God give you peace.
Joan and Kent Wittmann, on June 21, 2021 at 5:10 pm
We were so sorry to hear about Dan. If we would have know, we certainly would have been at his Service. He was a really great guy.
I have not been able to contact you. Please Shirley contact me when you are able to. Love, Joan 262-242-3176
It was a joy to teach with Dan at Dr. Jones those many years ago. He taught with joy, compassion and knowledge of the subject and truly guided students with their learning.
What a great smile he had which brought a smile to others that he taught with.
Dear Shirley, I’m so sorry to hear about Dan. I wish I could have been there for you but we’re on vacation. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless. 🙏🏻