Danny Joe Wantoch, affectionately known in Custer as Gold Pan Dan, died peacefully in Irene, South Dakota on June 26, 2010. In keeping with the way he lived his life, Dan wrote his own obituary, which follows:

Danny was born February 25, 1948 in Hot Springs, South Dakota. Danny spent most of his life in Custer and graduated from Custer High School in 1966. He was a good athlete and lettered in football, basketball, and track. His favorite subjects were art and arithmetic. Danny's military service included two years in Africa and two tours of duty in Vietnam. He received many letters of commendation for his leadership abilities and courage under fire. He spent five years in the U.S. Army Infantry and was a life member of the Custer V.F.W. He retired from the service as an E5Sgt. Danny worked in Chicago for eighteen years with various civil engineering companies where he designed subdivisions. His employers were very happy with his innovative designs, attention to detail, and vast mathematical skills, which some considered strokes of genius.

Danny's surviving relatives remember him as a kind, handsome, artistic giant of a man who faced some of life's toughest challenges with intelligence and humor. Danny's mother, Mildred, and his father, John, preceded him in death. There will be a small, graveside service for Danny in Custer on August 13, 2010 at two o'clock in the afternoon.