Heaven gained an Angel on Wednesday Evening, January 28, 2026.
A beloved husband of 25 years to Paula Switalski. He was a caring brother of Kathy Switalski and Robert Switalski. Loving dad of Ben (Martha) Switalski, Gretchen (Justin) Rixie, Frances (Nathan) Lenhof and step-dad of Travis and Margo. Proud and happy Grandpa of Gus, Alfie, Maeve, Marin, Suzanne and William. He loved his many cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends. Each person meant the world to him. He would want you to know.
Dan was born on September 9, 1955, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Daniel and Theresa (Hudec) Switalski. His family moved to Brook Park, Ohio where he was a 1975 graduate from Mid Park High School. He then earned his BS in Civil Engineering from Indiana Tech and Master’s degree in Business Administration at the State University of New York at Buffalo. His career as a project manager expanded to various industries and states. He retired from Northwestern Mutual in September 2017.
Many issues mattered to Dan, he volunteered where he could be of service to the community, at The Women’s Center – Waukesha where he was known as the gentle giant as well as working on the Board of Directors at Ozaukee Family Services for ten years.
Dan will be remembered for being a loyal and hopeful Cleveland Browns Fan. Always showing up for the next Sunday. He was known for his uncanny wit, working with new technology, and his thirst for knowledge which is probably the reason for the “hobby of the year” which included magic tricks, galaxy exploring with an amazing telescope, cheese making, perfecting his fresh pasta making, and his artistry working with glass which was his final love over the past many years. He found great joy in attending the water aerobics class and becoming an official “mermaid” with the friends he met there.
Dan was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his brother Jimmy, and sister Christine.
Dan always believed in God but gave his life to our Lord in 2018. This was evident in many ways; he was not afraid to share his faith with others.
A memorial service for Dan will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 4:00 pm. at the Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home, 1535 S 12th Street, Sheboygan. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home on Thursday afternoon from 2:00 pm until the time of service at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial funds will be set up in his memory.
Dan was in my water aerobic class and he quickly forged bonding relationships shortly after he joined the class. He always was sure to welcome new members to class and often made gestures of of his appreciation for the class and his friends. Dan will be greatly missed in the pool!
God Bless you Dan and Paula! This news was so hard to hear. I have always enjoyed my conversations with Dan and love his smile. We had a really good conversation last I saw him and I will never forget him. All my love, Jeny (from Dr Osburn)
Paula, I am so sorry to hear about Dan's passing. I am thankful to have known Dan. I have fond memories of our time together.
Paula, I am so very sorry for you loss. I haven't known you and Dan long but you have both left an impact on my heart! Im so glad your brother Dale introduced us. I'll always share with Dan the smiles we could always put on your brother Keith's face along with the bell ( which was a joke but I know he loved to ring it to get a rise out of you) Dan was a very sweet soul. My heart breaks for you and your family. Im so sorry I wasn't able to attend Dan's memorial due to be very I'll. I couldn't even work today. Please know though my thoughts and prayers were with you tonight .
We are so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers and thoughts.
May the Lord comfort the hearts of all who knew Him and a special blessing for His wife Paula ! 😇
I know Swi as a fraternity brother while at Indiana Tech. He was a dear friend. Swi was a groomsman for our wedding 1978 in Columbia City, IN. We visited him and Clare in Buffalo and joined them for July 4th fireworks over the Niagara River in 1980. We visited again when he lived in Milwaukee summer of 2000. Over the years we communicated via email or LinkedIn. It was at a recent trip for the grand opening of new Sig Ep house that I thought of reaching out to him. I regret not making that effort. Needless to say, Swi holds a special place in our hearts and we'll cherish fond memories.
As a close fraternity brother of Swi I am heartbroken at his passing. Swi and I had communicated with each other a few times in recent years. At a fraternity basketball tournament in Illinois, Swi was upset with some of us because he didn’t play much in a particular game. So in our hotel room in between games, Swi wouldn’t share his mayonnaise with us when we made bologna sandwiches. It was a story that we told and brought us laughs and memories of Swi for several years. I have other great memories of Swi playing first base for Indiana Tech baseball
Dan’s sense of humor made him such a delight to work with. I was always thrilled to work on projects that included Dan! It was always a bright spot in my day to see Dan in the hall and have a chat. My condolences to his family. I hope the joy he brought to you and all who knew him will outweigh the tears.
Dan was a true gentleman. I was honored to know him and work with him at Northwestern Mutual.
Rest peacefully, Dan.
My family and I loved Dan the man. He definitely was one of my favorite people to talk to as he was so honest and that was something I loved about him. May the good Lord bless his loved ones and may he be greeted by the hand of the Lord and ancestors.
I met 'Swi' as a freshman in college at Tech. Just always knew him and don't remember our first meeting. I could write a book on my memories of him -- visits when our paths crossed in our work-life. I was privileged to keep in contact with him via social media / phone calls / text. He was always 'Swi' or 'Big Guy' --- never Dan to me. I will miss his messages that kept me laughing. Rest in Peace 'Big Guy'. Eternal rest grant onto him O Lord, and may the Perpetual Light shine upon him. I believe we shall meet again.
Dan was truly a wonderful person whom we will miss very much. It was such a pleasure working with him at Northwestern, he handled so many of my crazy "deals" with vendors and always did so with cheer and professionalism. I've enjoyed getting together with him and others these past years in retirement for breakfasts in Cedarburg, and we will continue to do that in memory of him.
Gentle Giant in deed! I was immediately intimidated by Dan's size and demeanor when I met him in 1997 as a client. It didn't take long to realize the depth of his compassion and care. We became colleagues and fast friends, and I already miss him very much.
Prayers for Paula and Dan's family.
KAJ
My friend, I will miss you so much. Your hugs and infectious laughter kept me going through some very tough times. Sigh. The loss is as big as you.
