Daniel "Dan" Arthur Cross

Daniel (Dan) A. Cross, 90, Randolph, WI passed peacefully at Randolph Health Services on March 10, 2025.

Dan was born March 22, 1934, near Cambria WI, the son of Leslie J. and Gladys H. (Jones) Cross. In 1940 they moved to the Cross-family homestead south of Randolph. Dan attended the Healy England and Randolph Grade school, and Randolph High School. Dan enlisted in the US Army in 1955. He married Doris E. (Mielke) on June 30, 1956, at the Courtland United Methodist Church. They had three children, Daniel L, Delta J. both born in Germany, and Darelyn M born at Fort Belvoir, VA.

He served in Germany, Okinawa, Thailand, Korea and S. Vietnam. He also served three tours at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. The first two tours were with the Army Intelligence and the third tour was with the Defense Intelligence Agency.

He returned to Randolph, following his retirement in 1975. He then worked for American Packaging until his retirement in 1997. A member of the Randolph United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir. Daniel was recently recognized for 56 years as a Mason. He was a Past Master and Perpetual member of Dodge County Lodge #72, F. & A.M. He was also active in the Order of Eastern Star having served as Past Patron of both Grace D. Per Lee Chapter #120 Arlington, VA, and Constellation Chapter #176, Beaver Dam, and a lifetime member of Chapter #289, Fond du Lac. He also served as Past Associate Guardian of Job’s Daughters Bethel #54, Beaver Dam. He holds several lifetime memberships including, the VFW Post #9510, Randolph as the bugler for military services, American Legion #401, The Non-Commissioned Officers Assn, Retired Enlisted Assn. National Assn. of Uniformed Services. He shared the love of riding Gold Wings with his wife, Doris of 52 years and his motorcycle friends. In his later years he enjoyed going to the YMCA.

Following the passing of his wife, he married long-time family friend Nancy Heath-Cross. They had just two short years of marriage before her passing in 2012. He later found his special friend Joan Eaton, Redfield SD. While age allowed them to travel together, they spent several months a year together. Once age made traveling difficult for them, they kept in touch with daily phone calls.

He was predeceased by: his parents, his wife, Doris, his second wife Nancy, daughter, Darelyn Cross, son-in-law Doug Smith, daughter-in-law Jodell Cross, siblings-in-laws, Armand Prust, Eleanor (Alex) Schraufnagel, Barbara Mielke, Sharon K. Mielke, Sandy Mielke, Peggy Mielke, Cheryl Mielke and Donald Voss.

Dan is survived by Joan Eaton, Redfield SD., children Daniel L. Cross, Green Bay, and Delta J. Smith, Pardeeville. Step-son Warren (Stacy) Heath, St Augustine, FL, Grandchildren, April (Cody) Pongratz, Mildred (Desjuridin) Lacey, Melissa (Jeffrey) Henker, Michelle Nelson, James (Mandy) Heintz and Ryan (Krysten) Ducham, Hannah Heath, Anna Worter and Adam (McKenzie) Worter, 19 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. his siblings-in-law, Mary Prust, Russell (Robin) Mielke, Raymond (Sharon) Mielke, John Mielke, Dale Mielke (Karen), Terry Mielke and Ardis Voss. He is further survived by other relatives, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to the Randolph School District, C/O Music Department, 110 Meadowood Dr. Randolph, WI 53956. Please include a note that it is a memorial for Daniel Cross.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Randolph United Methodist Church, 227 N High St, Randolph, WI 53956.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Randolph United Methodist Church with Pastor Yaba Lucie Anongba officiating. Burial will follow at Cambria Cemetery with Military Honors provided by Randolph VFW Post 9510 Honor Guard.