Daniel James Oberst

WAUSAU, Wis. - Daniel James Oberst, age 72, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, at the Benedictine Rehab Facility in Wausau, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Daniel was born on Jan. 2, 1951, in Bessemer, Michigan, to Ernest and Betty J. (Hansen) Oberst. His birth certificate actually said he was born on the "Side of the road on U.S. 2, Bessemer, Mich." - which was always a running joke in our family.

Daniel was a graduate of A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer with the class of 1969. He attended Gogebic Community College where he obtained his associate degree in mechanics.

Daniel met, fell in love and married the love of his life, the former Virginia M. Pedrin on April 7, 1973. Together they raised their two children, Dawn and Shawn. Daniel worked in various places, but the majority of his life he worked for the city of Wakefield, Michigan, from which he retired.

Daniel enjoyed working on, or just tinkering with, anything that had a motor. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed hoisting a cup of coffee with his coffee crew. He also loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles in his spare time. In his younger years, Daniel played hockey in Ramsay. He was in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from 1969-1971. He was a member of the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11. His amazing courage, strength and love will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Daniel is survived by his children, Dawn (Shane) Buchkowski and Shawn Oberst. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Shane II and Dana (Mason Baker) Buchkowski, Michael Vandenberg, Paige Hornby (step-granddaughter) and Drake Oberst; two brothers, Adolph (Elaine) Oberst of Kimberly, Idaho, and Dennis (Coretta) Oberst of Gillette, Wyoming; sister-in-law, Karen Oberst of Port St. Lucie, Florida; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Betty J. Oberst; the love of his life, Virginia M. Oberst; his sister, Darlene Rychecky; and brother, Lawrence "Teddy" Oberst.

Funeral services for Daniel James Oberst will be Saturday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m. at All Saints Lutheran Church, 1202 Putnam St., in Wakefield. A lunch will follow the service at the church.

John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences can be made at Honorone.com.