Dan’s Story
At Create a Legacy, we believe in honoring the unique and beautiful lives of those who have touched our hearts. We want to share the story of Dan, whose family chose us to preserve his memory in a beautiful granite memorial as a testament to the remarkable man whose legacy continues to inspire us and will hopefully inspire you.
Celebrating Dan’s Life
Dan was a truly special person, though he never thought of himself that way. Dan’s wife, Sandy, explains him as a quiet and unassuming man with an amazing sense of humor. His ability to bring a smile to their faces, even in challenging times, is a testament to his gentle nature. “He was just your average guy,” she recalls, “he worked so very hard” and “was the kind of friend who would give you the shirt
off his back.”
Dan’s love for his family and his dedication to hard work were evident in every aspect of his life. Born and raised on a farm, he often joked that his regular full-time job was just a means to support his true passion and hobby of farming. His pride as a husband and father was unmistakable, especially in his bond with his daughter, Allison.
A Tragic Loss and Unwavering Strength
On December 4, 2019, Dan tragically passed away in an accident on the farm. His loss was profound, but his family’s strength and resilience have been inspiring. As Sandy shared, “You never realize how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have.” Surrounded by the support of family, friends, and neighbors, they found the courage to move forward, honoring Dan’s memory and keeping his spirit alive.
Creating a Lasting Memorial
The process of creating a memorial for Dan was deeply personal and emotional. Sandy wanted something that would reflect their life as a family and capture the essence of who Dan was. When Sandy visited Murphy Granite, she had a vision of a stone shaped like a barn, with a bench supported by an old tree stump, complete with their initials carved into it. The team at Murphy Granite, Willy, and Kaila, brought this vision to life, adding thoughtful touches like a grain bin and incorporating a special song’s chorus into the design.
Keeping Dan’s Memory Alive
Dan’s memory lives on through various tributes and traditions. The Dan Wielenberg Memorial Scholarship supports high school seniors each year, and the Albany FFA Alumni sponsors an annual tractor drive every July in his honor. His family and friends continue to gather, sharing stories and toasts in his memory, ensuring that his spirit remains a part of their lives.
Sandy and daughter, Allison, cherish the memories and stories of Dan, keeping his legacy alive in daily conversation and through special events. “It’s very important to me to keep his memory alive,” she says, “because our daughter, Allison, was only 13 when he passed away. I talk to her about him every single day.”
At Create a Legacy, we are honored to help families create lasting memorials that celebrate the lives of their loved ones. We believe that through these memorials, the spirit of those who have passed continues to inspire and bring comfort to those they left behind. A special thanks to Dan’s family for the courage, resilience, and desire to share his story that will live on in the hearts, minds, and spirit of everyone he influenced.