Daniel J. Raflik, story teller, trumpet player, hobby farmer, carpenter, beekeeper, self-proclaimed natural healer, hunter, gardener, husband, father, and friend to all died August 14, 2019.

The son of the late Frank and Sophie (Shuda) Raflik, Dan was born in his grandparent’s tavern on New Year’s Eve, 1938, and always told us, with a twinkle in his eye, that everyone celebrates his birthday! Raised in Mill Creek, Dan graduated from PJ Jacobs High School in 1957. In that same year, he joined the National Guard 32^nd Division. He served for eight years and earned the title of Sergeant E-5.

Pursued by the lovely Miss Marilyn Raasch, they celebrated the sacrament of Holy Matrimony at “high noon” on July 11, 1959 at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Over the course of the next eleven years, they brought six spirited children into the world.

Dan’s main occupation was as a carpenter. He enjoyed working for people and was proud of his many happy customers. Dan eventually formed his own business, Midwestern Siding and Sales.

Dan learned to play the trumpet at an early age and started his own polka band which eventually evolved into “Dan Raflik and thePolka Pals.” His good-time, old-time music entertained at many dancehalls and taverns for years. Proud of his Polish heritage, Dan always said, “the Polish people work hard and play hard.” All six of his kids carry on this trait.

Dan enjoyed the outdoors and taught his children to hunt, fish, and garden. It was important to Dan to be self-sustainable, ‘grow your own food,’ make maple syrup, even butter, and healing salves. He and Marilyn raised a variety of farm animals, were serenaded by a flock of guinea hens, and always had a coop full of chickens that laid the best eggs around!

Dan loved to talk, laugh, drink coffee, eat Marilyn’s cooking, and was especially happy when all the family was together. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Dan during his 80 years, but without a doubt, one of the most important is: Don’t ever let anyone push you around!

Dan is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marilyn, his children: Lindie (Mark) Landin (Stevens Point),  Darla (Jack) Sikora (Cornell), Tim (Stevens Point), Jenni (Randy) Niewiadomski (Rosholt), Troy (Wisconsin Rapids), and Leanne (Tony) Oftedahl (Pemberton, MN), 18 grandchildren, Pamela, Travis, Tyler, Reid, Colter, Cade, Quinn, Saige, Luke, Shaina, Bo, Blade, Jacob, Jenelle, Kayla, Chance, Tate, and Stranton, and 3 great-grandchildren, Alexius, Grant, and Mina. He is also survived by one sister Marcella Wirsbinske of Stevens Point and one sister-in-law Rita DeGraff of Wausau. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Florian, Dennis, Bernard, and Ervin, one sister, Mildred Brown, and a sister-in-law, Jackie Raflik.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Mill Creek, Reverend Dennis Stanchik officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Bartholomew Parish Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, August 19, 2019 at Pisarski Funeral Home in Stevens Point and from 9:30 am Tuesday at St. Bartholomew Church until the time of Mass. There will be a parish rosary prayed at 7:00 pm Monday evening at the Funeral Home. The Pisarski Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.pisarskifuneralhome.com