Daniel “Dan” Kotek, age 66, of Westby, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, April 26, 2026. He was born on January 18, 1960, in La Crosse, WI to Roman and Rita (Meyers) Kotek. He was a graduate of Bangor High School and received a bachelor's degree in finance from UW-La Crosse. On September 28, 1985, he married Terri McCallson from La Crescent, MN and they celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2025. They had two beautiful daughters, Kelly Marie and Amy Lynn. Dan worked at Coulee Region Community Action Program in Westby WI for 36 years until he retired in 2022. Dan and Terri made their home in Westby, and both have been very active in their community.

Dan was a Westby Area School Board member since 1998 and was currently the secretary. His passion for school and children was remarkable.

Dan loved to travel with his wife Terri and took the girls all over the country to see everything possible. Dan and Terri visited all 50 states in the USA. They also traveled to Norway, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Dan also built beautiful cement rock formations and fountains. He loved to work in his rock gardens and with the various flowers. He would dare anyone to find a weed!

Dan spent 15 years with his wife Terri as Westby Snowflake Royalty Advisers. He enjoyed being a part of the long history of the Westby Ski Jump.

His love for his daughters and grandchildren was beyond words. His dedication to them was unmatched.

Dan will be sadly missed by many and there is a hole in our family that can never be filled.

Dan repeatedly said, “Do things now, do not wait!” We know he is finally resting because he always said, “I will rest and sleep when I am gone.” And so, he did. Loving you “Always and Forever.” Always in our hearts until we meet again.

Dan is survived by his loving wife, Terri; his mother, Rita; daughters Kelly (Justin) Fremstad and Amy (Ryan) Jankowski. His dear grandchildren; Lanie, Brayden, Cameron Fremstad and Liam Jankowski. Siblings; Don (Janet) Kotek, Robert (Michelle) Kotek, Linda (Marty) Ostromencki, Judy Blochwitz and Steve (Jody) Kotek. His mother-in-law; Patricia McCallson, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Dan was preceded in death by his father Roman; his maternal and paternal grandparents; and his father-in-law, Duane McCallson.

A private family service will be held at the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church prior to the Celebration of Life at the Westby High School Fieldhouse located at 206 S Ave, Westby from 4:00 – 8:00pm on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. All are welcome to attend the Celebration of Life.

In lieu of plants and flowers, please send gifts to any of the following:

Friends of Snowflake, Norskedalen and the Westby Elementary IMPACT group.

We wish to thank our Skyline Dr neighbors that came to aid, local EMT’s, first responders, Dr. Macaset and the staff at Vernon Health.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory have the honor of serving Dan’s family.