Daniel Leroy Harter

Daniel Leroy Harter, 80, of West Bend, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on July 11, 2024. Dan (known to those close to him as “Honey”) was born on March 20, 1944, and stayed true to his West Bend roots throughout his lifetime.

From birth to death, Dan’s life centered on his family. Dan was the fourth of six Harter boys, with whom he remained close throughout his life. He then married the love of his life and hometown sweetheart, Patricia Harter (Behrends), in West Bend on September 4th, 1965. Their lifelong marriage provided—and continues to provide—a leading example of what marriage looks like at its best. Dan and Pat enjoyed vacationing together, playing cards with friends, sitting on their patio overlooking the scenic Harter Pond (memorialized to Dan for his years of dedication as president of his homeowner’s association), and spending as much time as possible with family.

Dan’s proudest joy always remained the close-knit family he and Pat created, who survived him at death. Those who knew Dan understood his adoration and appreciation for his two daughters, Amy (Paul) Johnson of Rhinelander and Pam (Tim) Neumann of West Bend. In his later years, Dan’s life centered on staying actively involved in the lives of his five grandchildren: Markus, Madison, Payton, Annika, and Sophia. Dan’s legacy will forever be the loving and supportive family he created for generations.  Dan is also survived by his two brothers, Robert (Susan), David, sisters-in-law, Luella Harter and Kathleen Roecker, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Gertrude, and three brothers, Richard, Steven, and Donald, and sister-in-law Cathy.

Beyond his family, Dan was an avid Wisconsin sports fan. He fervently followed all things Packers, Bucks, Brewers, Marquette—and, most of all, his Wisconsin Badgers. He watched every game he could, and when he wasn’t watching a game, you could find him reading about one in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In the free time he had left, Dan could be seen putting together puzzles, playing cards, or watching his favorite Western show—Gunsmoke.

Dan’s unrivaled dedication and work ethic displayed prominently at all stages in life. After his early years as a revered high school athlete, Dan became a salesman in the recreational vehicle industry, where he routinely received corporate and national recognition. And, in later years, Dan’s core values—hard work and determination—remained strong as ever, with Dan considerably exceeding the life expectancy of his pancreatic cancer prognosis. Dan’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at West Bend Froedtert Hospital and Hospice for their care and compassion.

VISITATION: Dan’s family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, July 18th, 2023, at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, 1315 W. Washington Street, West Bend, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

FUNERAL SERVICE:  A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2024, following visitation at 1:00 p.m. at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service. Pastor David Schoob will be officiating the service.

In lieu of flowers Memorials in Dan’s name can be made out to the Full Shelf Food Pantry of West Bend and Trinity Lutheran Church in West Bend.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Dan’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.