Daniel Lichtie

Daniel Raymond Lichtie died on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

He was born on January 7, 1963 in La Crosse, the third child of six born to Jim and Mary Lichtie. His early childhood was spent in a special location on 13th Street where his collection of lifetime friendships began with the neighborhood gang. Later years were spent on West Avenue where many more memories and friendships were made. He was living at West Avenue when he passed away. Hamilton Elementary, Lincoln Middle and La Crosse Central was where Dan attended school. He also went one year to Western Technical for house construction.

Dan worked at Inland Printing with his Dad during high school with many lessons learned. His love of traveling and wanderlust soon began. First traveling with a crew planting thousands of trees. Next came another traveling crew building houses for a log home company. He continued to add to his friendships during this time. Before cell phones and laptops we patiently waited for a phone call to know where he was and all was okay.

After returning home an opportunity to work as a maintenance and groundskeeper for the Housing Authority at Sauber Manor, a six floor building, came his way. This position offered opportunity with a lot of responsibility. Most of the residents at that time were elderly, who he loved getting to know. He spent about 10 years at Sauber.

The traveling bug now had bitten and he began many years and miles and miles of travel. Through time he checked out all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska. He would find employment in favorite areas, in warmer climates and spend time working and exploring. Now we had email and were able to hear from Dan more often. Most of these jobs included carpentry and restoration of period homes. He left the gift of his talents in many places.

Dan was interested in history and other cultures which took him to Australia, Mexico, Central and South America. Always researching a destination, he experienced volcanoes and earthquakes, and explored ruins, forests and wildlife. Now we had a laptop to correspond. We have documentation of his travels through his many photos that he put in albums.

Dan was blessed with many talents, among them being an accomplished artist. He was also a passionate conservationist and was saving the planet in his own way every day. He was an avid bicyclist and body builder. Family was so important to him and he was loved by his family. He had the ability to make and nurture friendships and continue to relish and keep them through the years.

Dan is survived by his mother, Mary, his siblings Tim, Debbie, Julie/Paul, Rich, and Ron/Denise. Also surviving are his nieces, nephews and great nieces that adored their Uncle Danny, Jeremy, Sarah, Kyrstin, Kathryn, Gretchen, Elisabeth, Talon, Alistar, Lucy, Brynn and Ava. He is further survived by several aunts, uncles and many cousins. Lastly, Dan is survived by an army of friends all over the world and you all know who you are.

He was preceded in death by his father Jim, nephew Ryan, his Wuensch and Lichtie grandparents, aunts and uncles.

A private family service is planned. We will have a celebration of Dan's life at Goose Island Park, Shelter No. 3 on Saturday, June 13 starting at Noon. Memorials can be made to organization of donors choice.

Dan was a special and unique member of our family who loved his life and lived it his way doing all the things he wanted to experience. He leaves behind a large hole in our family that no one can fill. Rest in peace Dan and happy travels in eternity.