Daniel Gatica

Daniel Gatica, otherwise known as "Bud" and "Danny," was the 11th of 13 children born to Maria Gatica-Zapata and Antonio Rodriguez Gatica. He was born on July 28th, 1961 in Flint, MI, and passed away the morning of Monday, November 27th, 2023 after a second battle with cancer in his home in Winona, MN. Daniel is survived by his two daughters, Daniela and Katarina Gatica, seven of his siblings, as well as his expansive and loving extended family.  

 

With his degree earned from Loyola University in Illinois, Daniel led a career driven by the primary goal of enriching the lives of others. This included working with the Boy Scouts of America, as a grade school translator for the Sparta Area School District, and bringing smiles to the faces of countless Walmart guests. After college, he moved to Milwaukee where he met his ex-wife, Kimberly Wadewitz, and started his family shortly thereafter.

 

Daniel was a special soul with the ability to turn nearly anyone into a friend and charmed just about everyone he met with his sense of humor, kindness towards others, friendly demeanor, and all-around glowing personality. He was the star of his own comedy show, and his best gimmick was the ability to muster a song reference to suit every occasion. He pulled from his vast knowledge spanning several genres and decades, with his favorite being Classic Rock. Daniel enjoyed making many people feel special by bestowing them with nicknames of his own invention and often inspired by an inside joke. Spending sunny afternoons on the golf course with those lucky enough to call him a friend was a pastime of choice for many years. A favorite tradition he kept alive with his brother consisted of plain bologna sandwiches and keeping up with the Michigan Wolverines each season regardless of the physical distance between them over the years. Daniel's greatest pride and joy was his role as a father to his girls. He had an endless supply of hard-earned life advice, comforting hugs, comedic jabs, and tears of joy. He loved supporting his children in all their ventures from dance recitals to horseback riding competitions and most recently, walking his daughter, Katarina, down the aisle at her wedding.

 

Daniel was extremely loved and will be missed by many.

 

A Celebration of Life for Daniel Gatica will be held on Sunday, December 10th from 1-4pm at Señor Villa located at 325 West Ave N, La Crosse, WI 54601.

 

Any condolences can be sent to 376 W 5th St, Winona, MN 55987.