Daniel F. Wohnoutka (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Dan Wohnoutka, 80, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on January 10th, 2024, after
spending the morning in fellowship with friends.
Daniel Francis Wohnoutka was born in San Diego, California on August 5, 1943 to George and
Gertrude Wohnoutka. As a child, he moved around the western United States extensively with
his parents and siblings, as his father was employed by various aircraft manufacturing
companies during WWII and the post war era. Dan graduated from Alum Rock High School, San
Jose, California in 1961, were he excelled in the sport of wrestling, remaining undefeated in
regular season competition both his Junior and Senior years and finishing 2nd in State
competition both years. Following High School, Dan joined his father in the workforce at
Lockheed, working in the Aerospace Division. During his years at Lockheed, Dan excelled in the
skill of extreme precision and attention to detail, earning accolades, merits and commendations
from Lockheed for his extreme precision and quality work on the Mercury and Gemini
Spacecraft.
Dan Married Paulette Johnson in San Jose, California on April 25, 1965 and
immediately started a family. In 1967, Dan chose to pursue a career in public service and became
a Firefighter for the City of San Jose, California, achieving the classification of Apparatus
Engineer. During his years of employment as a Firefighter, Dan also pursued his passion for
building, as he partnered with a couple fellow Firefighters and invested in residential building
projects. Dan also had a passion for auto mechanics, frequently having a friend’s, coworker’s or
acquaintance’s automobile in the garage or driveway at home, making repairs or providing
maintenance on his days off. Eventually Dan felt the strong conviction to relocate and raise his
young family in the farm environment of the Midwest. In August of 1974 Dan moved his family
to a small 80 acre farm in northern Polk County, Missouri, a few miles west of Humansville. It
was there that Dan devoted his days to his family. Primarily by farming, but later as a builder as
well. Dan was a man of faith and loved the Lord. Dan was an unassuming man who led by
example and cared deeply for his family and others. Dan was a man who could speak volumes
without saying a lot of words. He worked hard for his family, and later in life even took some
time to relax. It was asked of Dan by one of his children growing up… “Dad, what do you do for
fun?” His response was that his work was his fun. He enjoyed riding his tractor and working the
fields, while feeling the presence of the Lord." Dan was also a gifted craftsman and enjoyed
working with his hands. He liked the thought of building something that would be around for a
long time. And so he was in building family.
Dan was a faithful member of Southern Hills Baptist Church. Dan’s hobbies were few but in his
more senior years included fellowship at local nursing homes and care facilities, socializing
over coffee with friends around the table at Brenda’s Cafe, and always helping someone in need,
whether that be a small building or repair projects, a kind word, a listening ear, or prayer.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Gertrude Wohnoutka, his sister Beverley
Mestressat (Wohnoutka) and an infant sister.
He is survived by his wife Patricia Wohnoutka (Simmons), his three children; Dan Wohnoutka
and spouse Katie Wohnoutka (McBride), Steve Wohnoutka and spouse Channy Wohnoutka
(Mao), Sharon Pease (Wohnoutka) and spouse Eddie Pease. Three grandchildren; Morgan Crews
(Wohnoutka) and spouse Levi Crews, Allison Wohnoutka, Caden Pease (Wohnoutka), and
Chase Wohnoutka. Two great-grandchildren; Ainsley Crews and Riley Crews. Dan’s love also extended to his three step-children; Lisa Martin, Jamie McConnell, and Tara Simmons, to
include seven grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Dan is also survived by five brothers and
many nieces and nephews.
It was recently said of Dan that it never mattered how long it had been since you had last seen
him, he always had a hug, a kind word, a sparkle in his eyes, and you always parted ways feeling
better for having been in his presence.
“CELEBRATION OF LIFE”
Please join us in tribute and celebration of the life of our Dad and Pappy, Dan Wohnoutka,
on Saturday, January 20th @ 11 a.m., Southern Hills Baptist Church, 1220 S Springfield Ave,
Bolivar MO. He was known and loved by so many. We look forward to meeting each of you
and hearing your treasured stories and memories of this beloved man.
In lieu of flowers the family would donation to be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate
and to the Wounded Warrior Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ .
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Daniel F. Wohnoutka please visit our Sympathy Store.
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