DANIEL FRANCIS GENEREAU, 73, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Rice Lake, Wednesday, October 9, 2019.

Born in St Claire Shores, Michigan December 11, 1945 to Francis Adrian and Grace Perrin Genereau, Dan is survived by two sons, Brad (Kris Leabo) Genereaux of Long Lake, WI and Judd (Sara Willer) Genereaux of Hudson, WI., grandchildren Samantha, Jack, Frank and George Genereaux, his brother “Bud” Francis (Dorothy) Genereaux of Berlin WI., former wife Jude Genereaux of Long Lake, his special friend Linda Chabot of Balsam Lake, WI and many nieces and nephews.

Dan graduated from St Claire Shores High School in Michigan where he excelled in academics as well as sports; a continual team captain of their basketball and baseball teams, Dan was also on Student Council and school representative at a number of state-wide academic events. As a high school senior, Dan was offered a contract to pitch for the Minnesota Twins baseball team, but accepted instead a baseball scholarship at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI where he graduated with a B.S. degree in History and Secondary Education, and met his wife of thirty years. In 1970, Dan moved his family to Rice Lake, WI where he accepted his first position out of college as the Scout Executive for Chippewa Valley Council of Boy Scouts, 1970-1974. From 1974-1988 Dan then worked as Social Worker for Barron County Dept of Social Service, beginning as Volunteer Services Coordinator, setting up the first Senior Citizens Centers in the County among other projects. Later he moved to the CHIPS unit, where he served as advocate and representative for “children in need of protective services.” In 1988 Dan became a Financial Advisor with IDS Financial Services in Minneapolis, later establishing the Ameriprise office in Rice Lake. The man loved his family and Rice Lake, and spent his life in service to them, involved in Cub Scouts, coaching Little League and Intra-mural basketball for many years beyond those when his sons were involved, and mentoring high school students. Even after surviving a gunshot accident during the deer hunt of 1975, Dan’s passion for hunting & fishing was a dominant theme in his life and one of the driving reasons for his work as a founding creator of the new Archery Park on north Hammond. Dan served several terms on Rice Lake’s City Council and was active on many committees, including the Police and Fire Commission. He worked to establish the beach front on Sawyer Street and create the “splash pad”, as well as focusing on critical issues to Rice Lakes benefit. A supporter of the Sister City project, Dan travelled to Zamberk in the Czech Republic as well as Miharu, Japan, and hosted representatives of Miharu in his home. His efforts included establishing the “Restorative Justice Program”, the first High School Prom All-Nighters, and as a dedicated supporter of UWBC campus, was formative in establishing the UWBC Foundation. Recently appointed to the Hunt Hill Sanctuary Board, Dan also found time to volunteer as a teacher in their Day Camp program. Active in partisan politics, Dan’s energy and wry sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him. Dan was preceded in death by his parents Franc’ and Grace and his three sisters: Marylyn, Margaret and Sue, all of metropolitan Detroit.

A Celebration of Life in Dan’s honor and to bid him farewell will be held at the UWBC Campus, Commons Area on Tuesday, October 15th from 5-8:00 p.m.

Last Update: Oct 13, 2019 2:34 pm CDT