Jerome Daanen

Jerome “Pudge” Daanen, 79, De Pere, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, February 5, 2024 following a brief illness. He was born in Green Bay on December 15, 1944 to the late Jerome Henry and Catherine Margaret (Zellner) Daanen.

Pudge liked all things sports at an early age. He played baseball, basketball and football. He excelled in all and after high school at De Pere was offered a tryout with the Minnesota Twins and a full scholarship to the University of Miami to play football. He chose college and received a B.S. in education. After college he was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals to play professional football as a wide receiver from 1968-1970.

He met his wife, Katherine Ann “Kaye” Pasterski, while in middle school and have been together for the past 56 years, raising their 3 children. They were married on August 19, 1967 at St. Mary Catholic Church in De Pere and have since been members of the church.

Following his NFL football career, he coached at the University of Miami and later he went to work with Selmer Construction until his retirement. Throughout his life he enjoyed coaching YMCA Biddy basketball, De Pere High School Football and St. Norbert College football. He later enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play in all their various sports. He was an avid Packers fan (even played in a game at Lambeau Field) and watching all sports. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, carving, reading, gardening and taking care of his lawn. Pudge was dedicated to his community, and served as an Alderman for De Pere for 20 years representing his district and was an active member of the Wisconsin Laborers Union.

Survivors include his loving wife, Kaye (Pasterski) Daanen; children, Deborah (James) Schneider, Kathleen (Keith) Gajeski, and Matthew (special friend Gretchen) Daanen; grandchildren, Charity (Mevy Yilmaz), Alexander and Alex Schneider, James and Joshua Gajeski, Jack, Grace and Samuel Daanen; sister, Dorothy (Tom) Schwanz, Tomahawk WI; sister-in-law, Mary Fleck, Green Bay/Indian Wells, CA; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law - Donald (Heather) Pasterski, Fern Bay Australia, Carol Merrill, Ripon, Jack (Karon) Pasterski, De Pere, Lois Stuckart, Pound, Janet (Paul) Vissers, De Pere, David (Jane) Pasterski, Hiawatha, IA, Gary (Lisa) Pasterski, Green Bay, Steve (Kay) Pasterski, Green Bay along with many nieces, nephews and special friends.

He was preceded in death by parents Jerome Daanen and Catherine (Howard) Fleck; Infant grandson - Jake Gajeski; brothers and sister-in-laws, Michael Daanen, Michael (Ginny), Kenneth, Peter and William Fleck; In-laws - Clarence and Mary (Smits) Pasterski; brothers in-law and sisters-in law - Peter Merrill, Judd (Terry) Pasterski, Frank Stuckart.

Family and friends may visit at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4805 Sportsman Dr., Ledgeview, on Friday, February 9, from 9:00am until 10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with Fr. James Neilson, O.Praem officiating. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family with arrangements.

The Daanen family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Bellin Hospital and Unity Meng Hospice Residence, as well as the many good family and friends who showed their support at this time.