Daniel Jirovec

Daniel G. Jirovec, 84, of Stevens Point passed away Friday, January 14, 2022 at Ministry St. Claire's Hospital in Weston with his loving family by his side.

Daniel was born December 28, 1937 in Brokaw, Wisconsin. He was son of the late Adolph and Irene (nee Euler) Jirovec and brother of the late Arlo (Phyllis) Jirovec.

Dan graduated from Wausau High School in 1955. Upon graduation, Dan enlisted in the US Navy starting a life-long passion for serving his country. After his enlistment he joined the Naval Reserve and pursued his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. After graduation, Dan worked at General Electric for several years.  Dan returned to UWSP where he was the 1000 ^th student to receive a master's degree. While at the University, Dan met Lenore Olsen and they married on November 7, 1970 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Stevens Point.  They raised four children who all graduated from the University of Wisconsin.

Dan started his teaching career in Necedah before moving to the "new school," Ben Franklin Junior High as a freshman English teacher, where he taught for more than 30 years. After his retirement, Dan continued as Ben Franklin's stage manager until 2020. Dan also volunteered at Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) theatre department and substitute taught until March of 2020.

Dan continued to serve his country by joining the United States Army Reserves as a journalist. He was called up during Operation Desert Storm where he served as a public affairs officer at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. till his honorable discharge, achieving the rank of Master Sargent.  He began volunteering with the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) and coordinated the FRA's Americanism Essay Contest for students in 7–12 grade in Wisconsin. In 2018, the FRA's North Central Region of 15 states recognized Dan as "Shipmate of the Year" for his outstanding contributions.  Dan also helped restore the actual plane he served on in the 1950s.  This Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star (WV-2 Willy Victor) aircraft may be viewed at the Yankee Air Museum in Belleville, Michigan.

For almost 10 years, Dan was the producer of the public access program "Lights, Camera, Polka!" which is seen weekly in over 100 communities throughout the state.  In 2018 Dan received the Preserving Polish Heritage Award for "keeping Polish music alive in Central and Northern Wisconsin".

He was a devoted member and volunteer at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stevens Point, video-taping the services for public access channel viewing. He served on the McDill Cemetery Board and was a top blood donor, with a rare blood type. Dan was always on the go, busily volunteering, spending time with his family, making casino runs and enjoying life. Dan delighted in stepping out with his saddle shoes, Wisconsin socks and a nifty bowtie.  His incredible sprit, circle of friends, sense of humor, ability to enjoy each day, and gift of writing limericks are an inspiration for us all.

Dan did not want a funeral, but a festive celebration of life.  We look forward to celebrating Dan's life with family and friends this summer.

Dan was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 36 years Lenore (nee Olsen) Jirovec.

Dan is survived by his four children: Julie (Michael) Cotter, Andrew (Cheri) Jirovec, August Jirovec, and Sarah (Omar) Lowrance; five grandchildren: Claire and Gabrielle Jirovec, Thomas Daniel Cotter, and Kaeden and Liam Lowrance; and two nieces Jean Jirovec Christenson and Mary (Jirovec) Rustick.  Dan is also survived by Lenore's siblings, Ralph (Donna) Olsen, Tom (Kathleen) Olsen, Carol Olsen, Norma Olsen, and Jim (Karen) Olsen.

The Family wishes to thank Dorothy Knopp and Mark J. Schwartz MD.

Dan was a generous supporter of the arts and a long-time patron of the Fireside Theatre.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) Theatre Department at 1201 N. Point Drive, Stevens Point, WI, 54481.

An interment service at McDill Cemetery with Full Military Honors will be held on Thursday, July 7 ^th at 1:30 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at the Sky Club in Plover. The Pisarski Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Family.

Online Condolences may be sent by visiting www.pisarskifuneralhome.com .