Marquette – Daniel E. Mestnik, age 89, of 1538 W. Ridge St., Marquette passed away on Monday, June 11, 2012 at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans where he had been a resident for the past 4½ years.

Daniel was born on November 25, 1922 in Ely, MN to the late Damian and Jenny Mestnik. He graduated from the Ely High School, Ely, MN in 1940 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1942 shortly after. He served aboard the Destroyers USS Denebola and the USS Abbot in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters, escorting the Aircraft Carrier Bunker Hill. As a Pharmacist Mate, he was transferred to the 4th Marine division in the Pacific Theater, being honorably discharged in January of 1946.

He continued his education, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN, in 1948 and a master's degree from Northern Michigan University in 1960. He worked in education for 36 years serving as Coach, Teacher, and Guidance Counselor in Browns Valley and Biwabik, MN; Bessemer and Wakefield, MI and Michigan Tech University, retiring in 1980.


Always active in community affairs, Dan served as Past Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, President of the Rotary Club, a Life member of the VFW and member of MEA and NEA organizations. He was currently a member of St. Peter's Cathedral in Marquette.


He was very interested in the young people he coached and taught, always helping them in anyway he could and directing them to their future.

As an outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially deer hunting at Pete's camp in Paulding, with his son, son-in-law, and grandsons.


He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Theresa of Marquette; a daughter Judy (Jim) Gray of Ishpeming; brothers - Bill and Bob Kvas of MN, a sister Molly Sinar of MN; a very special sister and brother-in-law – Gloria & Gary Buchschacher and their children of MN & CA; grandchildren – Stacy (Bryan Bertucci) Gray, Tonya (Matt) Rochinski, Dr Rebecca (Adam) Hermann, Sarah (Steve) Noasconi, Stephanie Gray, Jimmy (Katie) Gray, Nick Mestnik & Allie Mestnik, 5 great grandchildren – Jayden, Chloe, Madeline, Aalayah & Taylin, along with many nieces and nephews.


In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Dr. Daniel "Pete" Mestnik in 2007, and 2 brothers – Stanley and Ed, and a sister Jennie Aho.


A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 12:30pm on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 in the Chapel at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette with Msgr. Michael Steber to officiate. The family will greet relatives and friends from 12:00noon until the time of services in the Chapel. A Military Honors service will be conducted by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380 at the conclusion of the services. A light luncheon will follow at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans.


The family of Mr. Mestnik wishes to thank the entire staff at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans for their tender and compassionate care over the past 4½ years.


Goodbye, Dano. Now you and Pete can go hunting together again in Paulding.