Daniel "Dan" James Bambenek

Daniel “Dan” James Bambenek, age 68, died from a massive heart attack while driving his dump truck on Monday, June 9, 2025.

Dan entered the world on November 9, 1956, in Winona, Minnesota, born to Jim and Elaine Bambenek. Daniel graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1975 and attended Vo-Tech for Autobody and Truck Driving. He married Rosemary Kamrowski, on October 6, 1979, at Sacred Heart Parish of Pine Creek.

Dan dedicated 42 years of his life to Goodyear as a truck driver. Following his retirement in 2022, he continued to pursue his passion for driving, taking pride in his part-time gig driving dump truck with O'Laughlin Trucking and Excavating. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially during his summers spent pontooning on the Mississippi River. 

His heart was filled with love for his family, particularly his grandchildren, who were the light of his life. Dan was a devoted supporter of their activities, whether it was baseball, basketball, football, or horse riding, and he cherished every moment spent cheering for the Pirates. His messages to his grandchildren were filled with his affection, “It was an excellent day, but woulda been better if I coulda seen you." 

Dan could often be found spending time in his shop restoring old tractors, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and working on his beloved ’85 Ford. He found peace sitting on the patio with his wife and two cats, Tuffy and Kirby. 

Dan is survived by his wife, Rosemary; children, Matt (Angie) Bambenek and Tracy Bambenek; grandchildren, Tucker, Avery, and Graysen; parents, James and Elaine Bambenek; brother, Tom (Sue) Bambenek; sister, Chris (Thor) Gernes; sister-in-law, Carol Jensen; brothers-in-law, Ed (Rose) Kamrowski and Roger Kamrowski; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Cindy Bambenek; brother-in-law, Scott Jensen; nephew, Chad Kamrowski; and in-laws, George and Loretta Kamrowski.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to be made to the Dodge Fire Department and First Responders.

The family extends a sincere thank you to the Winona Fire Department and Winona Area Ambulance for their dedicated care of Dan and the two angels at the scene, Delaney and Krystal.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (N20555 Co RD. G, Dodge, WI) with visitation beginning at 9am. Dan will be laid to rest at the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family.