Daniel C. “Dan” Vanaman

Daniel C. “Dan” Vanaman, 69, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, Jan. 5. 

He was born on May 8, 1952, in Knox to Claude E. and Mildred (Sims) Vanaman. Dan graduated from Winamac High School in 1970. Following graduation, he took a job with INDOT that turned into a career that spanned 38 years during which time he also farmed with Darrel Gudeman for 18 years. Most recently, Dan was the proud owner and operator of Dan’s Mowing; a mowing and snow removal business he started in 2008.  

Dan attended the Winamac Church of the Heartland.  He was a longtime member of FOE Lodge #2580 in Winamac and Pulaski County React. Dan served 8 years on the Winamac Town Board and 2 years on the Winamac Cemetery Committee.  

Dan was an outdoorsman and enjoyed gardening and mowing. He also enjoyed visiting with friends and strangers.   Dan was kind, friendly, and most of all…very hardworking.  

On July 4, 1982, Dan married the love of his life, Connie L. (Fritz) Kistler in Winamac. He loved his family very much and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Dan will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife Connie L. (Fritz) Kistler Vanaman of Winamac; daughters: Dana K. [Darrin] Field of Winamac and Dawn M. Vanaman; son Daniel H. [Doug DeCleene] Vanaman of South Bend; step-sons: Jeff W. [Trina] Kistler of Winamac, Daniel R. [Aida] Kistler of Knox and Brian J. [Amanda] Kistler of Winamac; 12 grandchildren: Dustin, Emily, Valerie, Eric, Aiden, Aaron, Breanna, Devin, Danica, Santiago, Clay, and Caleb; five great-grandchildren: Aiden, Amelia, Axel, Noah, and Beckham; half-sisters: Donna [Bud] Cowger and Betty Good; and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents: Claude E. and Mildred (Sims) Vanaman; half-brothers: Leon Depoy and Tom Depoy; and half-sister Katherine Shidler. 

Visitation was from 2-7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 9, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 10, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac with Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating.

Burial will take place at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pulaski Animal Center.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

(Pulaski County Journal — Jan. 12, 2022)