Daniel Robert Pontow, 74, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2025, while surrounded by his family. He was born on August 4, 1950, in Columbus, Georgia to Robert and Geraldine (Konow) Pontow. Dan was brought to Wisconsin at 12 days old because of his mother’s illness, and was raised in Winchester, WI by his maternal grandparents, Andrew and Verna (Carow) Konow, due to his mother’s eventual passing three days before his first birthday and his father serving in the military.

Dan was a lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church of Winchester, where he was baptized and confirmed. He was a 1968 graduate of Winneconne High School. After high school, Dan earned his barber license from Lincoln Barber College in East Moline, Illinois. A skilled and sought-after barber, (or “hair surgeon”, as he liked to mention), Dan began his career at the Beau Barber Studio in Neenah, then worked at Dick Bork’s Barber Shop and Captain’s Korner Barber Shop in Menasha, and later went on to own and manage his own barbershop businesses in both Neenah and Winchester. Dan’s sharp wit and talents were enjoyed by his many loyal customers until his retirement in 2021.

On May 26, 1973, Dan married Karen Sue Mueller at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Winneconne. Dan and Karen Built their home together in Winchester in 1977, and there, they continued to build a wonderful life for themselves, their children, and their grandchildren. Dan was a very talented man who loved and excelled at sports and music, and he was also an avid hunter and outdoor enthusiast. As a gifted trumpet player who could easily play by ear, Dan shared his love of music (especially Elvis) with his children and many others. Dan enjoyed playing duets on his trumpet with his daughter on the piano or flute and with his son on the trumpet at numerous church services and weddings, and also marching with them in the Winneconne Sovereign State Days parade for many years. He was extremely devoted to his family, and he taught them everything they know about golfing, hunting, driving, playing music, cribbage, pool, and how to fix or build almost anything. Ultimately, he taught them how to enjoy every minute of life. Dan’s quick wit and wisdom, and his love of life, family, and friends, were inspirational, and he was loved and admired by all who knew him. He will be forever missed.

Dan is survived by his wife, Karen; his two children, Molly (Danny) Thomas, and Danny (Amber) Pontow; his six grandchildren, William Aird, Talia (Justin) Duncan, Mason Aird, Dominic Pontow, Dawson Pontow, and Dalton Pontow; one great-grandson, Thomas Duncan; three brothers, Tom (Carol) Pontow, Garold (Debra) Pontow, and Robert (Barbara) Pontow; four sisters, Connie (Loren) Loewe, Deb (Ron) Hildebrand, Suzanne (Darren) Sattler, Sandy (Jeff) Therrian; aunts, Sally Trelka and Germaine Anderson; as well as many nieces and nephews; and the other loves of his life; his dog, Lovey; his 1968 GTO; and his Harley motorcycle.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Geraldine Pontow; his maternal grandparents, Andrew and Verna Konow; his paternal grandparents, Theodore and Lulu Pontow; his stepmother, Tess Pontow; his step-grandmother, Leone Pontow; his parents-in-law, Arthur “Bunny” and Elizabeth “Betty” Mueller; his aunt, Betty Baker; his uncles, Jay Baker, Bob Trelka, and Alerd Anderson; and a nephew, Joe Pontow.

A visitation will be on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at Grace Lutheran Church of Winchester 8396 Steeple Hill Dr. Larsen, WI 54947. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 12:00 noon at the church with Pastor Mark Laatsch officiating. Burial will be in the Bell Cemetery, Winneconne.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be established for Grace Lutheran Church, and the Winneconne School District Band Program, ATTN: Julie Buss, P.O. Box 5000 Winneconne, WI 54986.

Dan’s family wishes to thank Pastor Mark Laatsch, and the ThedaCare nursing staff for their tender care and making him comfortable during his stay at the hospital.     

Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family. If you wish, please submit online condolences/memories to muellerfh.net.