Daniel C. Gigstead

Daniel “Dan” Coleman Gigstead of Appleton, WI, was called home to the Lord on Saturday, June 12, 2021.  After a long, hard-fought battle with cancer he peacefully departed this earth surrounded by his family.  Daniel was born February 7, 1949, to Elman and Althea Gigstead. He was baptized March 6, 1949 and confirmed March 26, 1964 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in New Ulm, MN.  The only son of four children, Dan graduated from Hilbert High School in 1968. He then attended Fox Cities Technical College before being drafted in the US Army and is a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict. He completed basic training at Fort Campbell, KY and then spent three and a half years in service to his nation with postings in Alabama, Korea, and Washington.

On November 28, 1970, Dan married the love of his life, LindaKaye Selma Petersen of Sleepy Eye, MN. They had two sons, Daniel and Benjamin. Living a good charitable Christian life, it was important to both Dan and Linda to give of themselves and spread the word of the Lord. They hosted ten students in their home from all over so those students may attend Fox Valley Lutheran High School. Dan was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church for over 45 years after joining in 1975.

Dan loved nature and the outdoors. He especially loved taking camping trips to Hartman Creek, Door County, and Franklin Lake with his family. The motor home trip to Florida is among his favorite memories with his family. Dan and Linda were proud members of the Gold Wingers Motorcycle Club. They traveled to all lower 48 states on their 1200cc, 1500cc, and 1800cc Gold Wing motorcycles. Dan also held office in the Fox Valley Wheelman Bicycling Club. Riding his recumbent bike with his good friend and brother-in-law Lyle were some of his favorite times. Dan also started Forward Peddling Company where he was able to share his love of recumbent bikes with fellow enthusiasts.

Dan loved animals and was proud that he was able to rescue so many wonderful pets in his adult life. Huey, Mac, Tiffany, Duke, Hannah, Maggie the Cat, and George were animals saved by his generosity.

Professionally, Dan was a buyer for Marathon Engineering and eventually retired from Wisconsin Tissue Mills. He enjoyed semi-retirement as a salesman for Bergstrom Automotive and also a product representative for his favorite restaurant, Carmella’s Italian Bistro. Dan was a self-professed foodie who enjoyed cooking and trying new places to eat.

Dan was a devoted husband to his wife Linda for over 50 years having recently celebrated their Golden Anniversary in November of 2020. They were both born in Union Hospital in New Ulm, MN and they remained together until his death. His pride for his sons and the adoration he had for his three grandchildren was obvious to anyone who had the opportunity to spend time with him.

Dan is survived by his wife Linda of Appleton, WI, his mother Althea Gigstead, his son Daniel (Ann) Gigstead and their daughter Kate Amelia of Prior Lake, MN, his son Benjamin (Melissa) Gigstead and their children Landon Paul and Evelyn Jean of Appleton, WI, his sisters Pamela (Keith) Jeske of Kaukauna, WI, Jeannie Gigstead of Appleton, WI, and Connie (Lyle) Haltinner of Appleton, WI, his two sisters-in-law, Marian Grams of Appleton, WI, and LaDonna Schwecke of Fond Du Lac, WI, as well as many other much loved nieces, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Dan was preceded in death by his father Elman Gigstead, his parents-in-law, Albert and Evelyn Petersen, and brothers-in-law, Herbert Grams, and Floyd Schwecke.

The family would like to thank Lyle and Connie for all their help accompanying Dan to the numerous doctor appointments and always being available to help with any need.  We want to thank Keith and Pam along with other family and friends for their support and especially for taking him on drives and outings that he loved so much. Thank you DeFranza and Carmella’s Family.  Thank you, Michael Keller, a good friend to both Dan and Linda at Edenbrook.  Thank you, Dr. Matteo, for always being a champion for both Dan and Linda.   And thank you to Edenbrook for allowing Dan to reside there with his wife.

I, Daniel Gigstead, want all who read this to know that there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that upon my death I will enter Heaven not by my own worthiness, but only through the merits of Jesus Christ my Savior, who paid the price for my soul’s redemption through His death on the cross.  For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  Secondly, I commend my loved ones into the hand of the Lord and encourage them to place their faith and trust in Him alone for their salvation and I ask my children whom I love, never to forget the instructions Christ has given us “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every nation.”  Share God’s word with everyone at home and abroad. May God grant you peace, love and strength as He guides you through this life.  Then at the end of time, we will be reunited in heaven as a happy family.

A funeral service for Daniel will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, 530 W Parkway Blvd., Appleton. Friends and family may gather at the church from 11:30 AM until the hour of service. Burial will take place in New Ulm, MN.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to one of the following charities in Dan’s name.  Bethany Lutheran Church, 530 W Parkway Blvd, Appleton WI 54911; Time of Grace Ministries  PO Box 301, Milwaukee, WI 53201 or St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 800.805.5856.