Dan Casey, 29

April 12, 1980 - Oct. 21, 2009

Dan Casey

Daniel John Casey, age 29, died at his home in Centuria, Wis., on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009.

Dan was born on April 12, 1980, on his parent's anniversary in New Richmond, Wis. He grew up on the family dairy farm east of New Richmond with his loving parents, Richard and Patricia Casey, two older brothers, Miles and Bryan Casey, and his younger sister, Maureen. Dan went to St. Mary's Catholic School and graduated from New Richmond High School in 1998. Throughout his life, Dan was involved in various activities including 4-H, FFA, choir, drama, football, basketball and wrestling. He went on to college at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-River Falls where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Marketing in 2002. While at UW-River Falls, Dan was an active member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.

On May 31, 2008, Dan married Cara Brungardt at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Glenwood City, Wis. Dan worked as a sergeant for the Polk County Sheriff's Department Jail. His hobbies included fishing, ice fishing, boating, hunting, watching the Packers (he loved the Packers) and most of all, spending time with friends and family.

Dan is loved by many and is fondly remembered for his winning smile paired with a great sense of humor and often a little sarcasm. Dan was a caring husband, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend who was always ready to lend a helping hand. If one were to describe him in three words, they would be loving, fun and unforgettable.

Daniel was survived by his wife, Cara (Brungardt) Casey; parents, Richard and Patricia (Dean) Casey; siblings Miles Casey, Bryan Casey (Erica, sister-in-law) and Maureen Casey (Aaron Cochran, future brother-in-law); grandmother, Alice Casey; nieces, Emily and Camryn Casey; and many other loving relatives.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Miles Casey, John "Jack" Dean and Elaine Dean; aunt, Michelle "Shelly" Casey; a dear friend, Matthew Erickson; his border collie, Socks.

Mass of Christian burial was 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at St. Patrick's Church in New Richmond (Erin Prairie), Wis. Father Jim Brinkman presided over the Mass with burial in the parish cemetery. Visitation took place one hour prior to the service on Monday and from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25, at the church. Pallbearers included Matthew Gust, Timothy Demulling, Josh Schweitzer, Gene Jurisch, Scott Nargis and Al Jorgenson.

Cullen Crea Funeral Home, 715-246-2667.