Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the age of 67. Loving son of Gail Ligocki. Dear father of Ryan (Amanda) Ligocki and Lori (Dewey) Johnson. Cherished grandfather of Alixandra Ligocki DeKeyser, Olivia and Isabella Ligocki, and Summer Johnson. Treasured brother of James (Dawn), Robert (Holly), and Jean (Jill Hauk) Ligocki. "The People's Uncle Danny" to his many nieces and nephews. Further survived by other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, John, and his older brother, Johnny.

Daniel “Danny” was born in Milwaukee, WI, on a Wednesday, in the late summer of ‘59. He attended school at Hamlin Garland Elementary and Sholes Junior High before graduating from Bradley Technical High School in 1977 where he was a member of the gymnastics team and baseball team. He went on to work at Apple Steel Rule Die Co. as a diemaker in his established career of over 40 years.

Danny grew up on the Southside of Milwaukee, spending most of his time outside, exploring the fields behind his childhood home. He enjoyed fishing with his Pop, playing with neighborhood friends, getting into mischief and stuck in any mud puddle he'd find. Rules never applied to him. He could never be told he could or couldn't do something; he needed to discover that on his own with his ever-curious nature, and remained a kid-at-heart throughout his life.

Danny was the second born but became the eldest brother after his late brother Johnny passed at a young age. Though Danny was an infant when his brother passed, he took on the role as the eldest with great pride. He took care of his family and built his social circles around them throughout his childhood and into adulthood.

Danny was married in 1987 after falling in love with the mother of his children while fishing on Lake Denoon. He became a father of two children who were the light of his life and whom he deeply cherished.

He enjoyed his weekends with his children, building model rockets and award-winning derby cars with his son, exploring new arts and crafts projects with his daughter, and sharing joy in making forts in the living room for a movie marathon with the best snacks. He taught them both fun and important life skills, like cooking, fishing, and driving lessons, always with calm, patient and encouraging guidance. He continued to do so through their adulthood, offering his support with lawn care, gardening, and home maintenance.

Danny made every moment with his children special and memorable. He enriched their lives by exploring nature, weekend getaways to lighthouses and parks, and summer trips up north to Minocqua on Big Bearskin Lake - his favorite spot to fish. The first time his daughter, Lori, caught a fish, it was a large, small mouth bass; his son Ryan had to grab a net to catch it in the air, while Danny helped Lori reel it in and untangle it from the anchor - a full, family achievement.

He was always quick to act when his family needed help. The first time his son Ryan injured himself on a scooter, Danny rushed him home at the speed of light, climbing over fences and running through backyards, for what turned out to be a few bumps and bruises.

His nurturing heart grew even larger when he discovered his true passion in life: being a grandfather. His granddaughters could always expect a fun and silly time with Grandpa with a bag of their favorite candy in tow. Danny loved nothing more than seeing them smile and making them laugh, along with all of the children in his extended family. His newest granddaughter arrived only 10 months before his passing, but he made every moment count, creating a special, unbreakable bond between them.

He was fiercely loving and protective of his family and all of those he loved. He was lovingly known by his family as “Weatherman Dan,” always sending important weather updates in the family group text, making sure they were safely prepared for the next storm. He brought the fun to every family gathering and could talk anyone's ear off about the newest cactus in his collection, the latest edition of National Geographic or Discovery magazine, outer space, and the natural world.

Danny will be laid to rest in a green burial to become one with the earth, among the wildflowers, as he always wished. There will be a Graveside Burial Service at Prairie Rest, Forest Home Cemetery and Arboretum, 2405 W Forest Home Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53215 on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Please use the Lincoln Avenue entrance and meet at the cemetery office before the procession to the gravesite.

If you would like to donate to the Prairie Rest, please visit foresthomecemetery.com/support. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Milwaukee, WI, with more details to come