Daniel Robert Schuette, 86, of Poway, CA died peacefully on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 with his daughter Julie at his side while his favorite Merle Haggard music played in the background. Dan’s stoic, kind demeanor helped him wade through more than 10 years living with Alzheimer’s. Dan loved to “shoot the breeze” with people. Although Alzheimer’s silenced his words, he managed to say “thank you” to all who helped him through this awful disease.
Dan was born on March 26, 1934 in Springfield, MN to Jesse and Agnes (Jensen) Schuette. He went to high school in Sleepy Eye, MN. Dan served his country in the Air Force between 1954- 1957. He married Marilyn Keller in September 1957. Dan received his teaching degree from St. Cloud State. Dan and Marilyn lived in Towner, ND where Dan was a teacher and coach (1963-1969). They later moved to Grace City, ND where Dan was a teacher, coach, and was the Principal of the K-12 school (1969-1973). Dan received his master’s degree in School Administration from NDSU and the family moved to Drayton, ND where Dan became the Superintendent of the K-12 school (1974-1987). After Dan “retired,” he and Marilyn moved to Fargo, ND. Marilyn became a flight attendant with Northwest Airlines and Dan was a part time Superintendent at a couple smaller towns near Fargo. He also worked in Customs at the Airport, was an usher for events at the Fargo Dome, and did tax prep while working for H& R Block. He refurbished old chairs he would find while “berm” shopping, and he and Marilyn enjoyed holding an annual yard sale. Dan’s routine included “kibitzing” with his morning mall walking friends. He joined Marilyn on several trips flying space available on Northwest Airlines to visit their daughters, grandchildren, and Marilyn’s sisters. Dan was a big fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings and loved eating popcorn. He left ND in December, 2009 to live with his daughter Julie and her family in CA.
Dan is predeceased by his parents, wife Marilyn (passed away February 23, 2005 after a battle with pancreatic cancer) and sister Mary (also of died of Alzheimer’s), and is survived by his three daughters: Julie and Kierian Kuklok of Poway, CA (son Brian, daughter Katie); Geri Thoreson and Rory Knudson of Show Low, AZ (son Logan); and Nichi and Doug Farnham of Bangor, ME (sons Scott, Carl, and Gary). The girls will plan a visit to share memories. Memorials can be sent to support Alzheimer’s research or support a local school.