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In memory of

Daniel Ralph Gatena

Pickens, SC, USA

September 5, 1941 - January 21, 2021

Sep 5, 1941 - Jan 21, 2021

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Daniel Ralph Gatena, 79, was born September 5, 1941, to LaVine and Lucile Gatena. He died on January 21, 2021.

Dan grew up in Dubuque, Iowa until he was 8 when his family moved to Bellwood, Illinois. During his adult life he also lived in Melrose Park, Illinois; Tucson, Arizona; Janesville, Wisconsin; and Pickens, South Carolina. Dan had four brothers: Junior (deceased), Gary (deceased), Jay, and Larry. Dan served two years in the United States Air Force. He worked for The Village of Bellwood, Borg Warner, Duval Copper Mines, Dana Corporation, Harvester Inc., Dorsey Trailor, and General Motors. He was part of three church families: Broadview Wesleyan Church in Broadview, Illinois; Parkview Wesleyan Church in Tucson, Arizona; Janesville Wesleyan Church, Janesville, Wisconsin; Golden Grove Wesleyan Church, Liberty, South Carolina.

Dan was mechanically inclined and could do just about anything. He was adept at carpentry, plumbing, and electrical. He was just as capable with mechanical devices such as automobiles, tractors, and pneumatics.

Dan enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. He loved playing cards. He was always up for cribbage, euchre, rummy, or any other card game. He stuck to the five main food groups: cool whip, candy, cake, pie, and ice cream. During his final days, if they could have given Dan sugar intravenously, he would have approved. He only ate one meal a day. It started when he got up in the morning and ended when he went to bed at night. Check that, it ended when he fell asleep. He often ate in bed. Dan was a saver. For example, he leaves behind 13 adjustable crescent wrenches. Why did he have 13? Because he never came across a fourteenth at an auction or estate sale. By the way, if you are in need of an adjustable crescent wrench, see the family privately. They may be able to help.

Dan was a quiet man who honored the Lord and expressed his love to his family every time he went to work, fixed one of their cars, and repaired something in their homes. He leaves behind one of the greatest families ever assembled. On December 30, 1963, he married the fabulous Jackie Meek who has been his constant companion, lover, and friend for over 57 years. Together they had one extraordinary child: Sherri Gatena Casey. With a little help from her husband Tony, Sherri bore Dan three amazing grandchildren: Dana (Casey) Connor, Stephen Casey, and Nicole Casey. With a little help from her husband Jamin, Dana bore Dan three remarkable great-grandchildren: Eisley Connor, Atlas Connor, and Paxton Connor. With a LOT of help from his wife Savannah, Stephen bore him yet another remarkable great-grandchild: Lilianna Casey.

Finally, Dan leaves behind great memories and a legacy of love that will warm and keep his family laughing until they are reunited with him in eternity.

A memorial service will be held on February 6, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Golden Grove Wesleyan Church 7997 Morefield Memorial Highway Liberty, SC 29671. The family asks that you please wear a facemask if you plan on attending.

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