
08/15/2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Daniel Konze, a beloved man, son, father, father-figure, partner, best friend, buddy, and life of the party. Daniel Eugene Konze, affectionately known as Dan, Danny, or Dank, born February 8, 1976, in Sparta, Wisconsin to John Konze and Mary Jo Eddy (Dale Torkelson) passed away Thursday, August 14 th , 2025, at Emplify Healthcare at the age of 49. He was surrounded by his children, Ella Konze (Austin Johnson) and Maddy Konze, brothers, Eric (Shannon Jenkins) and Scott Konze, partner, former wife, and his closest friends in his final moments.
Dan grew up with his two brothers, Scott and Eric and lived in Cataract until his death. He enjoyed hunting, shooting, riding his BMX dirt bikes, 4-wheeling on his Hondas, and milking cows at the Olson’s dairy farm.
Dan and his former wife, Katherine (Sheire) met at Sparta High School, married in 1999, and raised two beautiful daughters, Madeline and Ella in Cataract, Wisconsin.
He was a genius when it came to fixing things. A jack of all trades, he could fix anything with his mechanical, plumbing, pipefitting, electrical, and general handyman skills. He was always busy working on something, whether his vehicles, tractor, or home. He’d lend a helping hand to anyone and gave 110% of himself to what he was doing. He dedicated the last 28 years of his life as a Plumber. He became a Journeyman Plumber while at Danmark Plumbing and later joined the Local 434 Plumbers & Steamfitters Union, and he took extraordinary pride in the numerous area projects that he worked on. His work ethic and passion were evident in everything he did, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him.
He loved spending time with friends and family boating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, UTV trail riding, and road trips in the ‘69 Chevelle. There are many fond memories of trips with friends and family.
Most of all, Dan was an amazing father to his two daughters, Maddy and Ella, who he was so incredibly proud of, and he was the first man they ever loved.
Dan had a smile that could light up the room, and a laugh that was contagious. The mark that Dan made on those that loved him will last long beyond the burnout marks that he left on the backroads of Cataract with his ’69 Chevelle.
Daniel is survived by his mother, Mary Jo Torkelson (Dale); children, Madeline Konze and Ella Konze (Austin Johnson); brothers, Scott Konze and Eric Konze (Shannon Jenkins); special niece and nephew, Soleil and Braxton Konze; half siblings; and more loved aunts, uncles, cousins and best friends than can be listed.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Konze; paternal grandparents, Eugene & Elizabeth Konze; maternal grandfather, Roger Eddy; great uncle, LaVern (Buck) & great aunt Norma Konze; and best friend, Randy Munsen.
Dan, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. The memories and stories of you we share will bring us smiles, tears, laughter, and warm our hearts until we meet again. Forever in our hearts.
A celebration of life will be held 11:00am-3:00pm, September 20, 2025 at the Cataract Sportsman’s Club.
Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.