Daniel Richard Lee, “Dano”, age 75, took his final bow Saturday April 4th, 2026 at Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, WI. He was born January 21st, 1951 to Audrey and Herbert Lee of Whitehall/West Salem, WI. Dan enjoyed running around and creating trouble on the family farm with his five siblings Carol, Dave, Melvin, Mary, and Peter.

After graduating from Whitehall High School in 1969, Dan enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he proudly boasted that it took him eleven years to finally complete his bachelor's degree in 1980 in Theater Arts. Taking a pause from his college career, Dan enlisted in the US Navy to serve during the Vietnam War. While at UW-La Crosse, he met Karen Flahive at center stage in the play Guys and Dolls. Dan and Karen had three daughters, Katherine (Kadee), Maighread (Maggie) and Abigail (Abbie), who were his pride and joy. While no longer married, Dan and Karen shared a loving parenting friendship focused on their girls and grandchildren, remaining close to the Flahive family.

Dan later graduated with a master’s in Professional Development in 1982 and followed in his mother’s footsteps becoming a teacher. He started his career at Bangor High School and later settled in at Logan High School where he was a proud member of the English and Theater department. Throughout his time at Logan, he directed numerous plays and musicals, making a difference in many students’ lives. A few of his favorite theatrical experiences to direct were Grease, Leader of the Pack, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland and Thunder on Sycamore Street. Dan retired from teaching after 25 years of service. Dan was always proud to say he was a third-generation teacher and his daughters were fourth generation teachers, stating it’s the “family business”.

With his love of the performing arts, Dan wanted to extend his impact to the La Crosse community where he started the Heart of La Crosse Comedy Group in 1980. Whether poking fun at the local political scene or creating memorable sketches centered on life in Wisconsin, Dano loved to bring joy to the community through humor.

Following his teaching career, Dano settled in Park Falls, Wisconsin, realizing his dream of living on a lake in the Northwoods. At French Lake, he embraced fishing, hunting, art, and a community rich in lasting friendships.

He is survived by his daughters, Kadee (Corey) Paske, Maggie (John) McHugh, and Abbie (Cody) Wagner and his five grandchildren, Landon, Piper, Delaney, Teague, and Raine. He is also survived by his five siblings, Carol (Mike) Daniel, Dave Lee, Mary (Butch) Bautch, Mel, and Pete Lee along with many nieces and nephews, and their children, always playing the role of the “fun uncle”.

He is preceded in death by his father, Herb, mother, Audrey, sister-in-law, Pam Maykut, sister-in-law, Jane Lee, and honorary nephew, Bob Anderson. We envision him now with a new audience telling his favorite stories. We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Marshfield Clinic Emergency and Trauma Center for their care and compassion as well.

As Dano would say “the show must go on,” and through his stories and memories it will.

A celebration of life will be held at the Pump House in La Crosse Saturday May 2, 2026 from 12:00 - 3:00pm. A tribute, “Dano the Mano: The Final Bow” will be held at 1:30pm in the theater. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in honor of Dan Lee. https://www.uwlax.edu/foundation/give-now/?fund=151595. Checks may be made out to UWL. Funds will be used to establish a scholarship in his name to support students who are passionate about fostering creativity and community through theater arts.