Daniel Stella, 83, of Hurley, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Danny was born on March 10, 1942, in Bessemer, Michigan, to the late Mae (Barrett) and Albert (Birch) Stella. Danny attended the Cary School, St. Mary's, and was a 1960 graduate of the J.E. Murphy High School.

Dan was a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, before his honorable discharge in 1963. Upon his return to the area, he met and married the love of his life, Bonnie Singleton. They celebrated 61 years of marriage earlier this year.

Dan attended Gogebic Community College and later graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior with a degree in Elementary Education. He began his teaching career in Mellen, Wisconsin, where he also enjoyed working summers as a park ranger at Copper Falls State Park.

In 1968, he accepted a job in the Hurley School District, where he taught until his retirement. Dan and Bonnie moved back home and into his Nona Rosa's house, where they raised their family. Dan made several lifetime friends while working in Hurley. He enjoyed coaching junior high basketball for years alongside his friend Cliff.

Danny had many interests, which included cross-country skiing, partridge hunting, and playing softball. He loved being a girl dad as well as spending time with his nephews, Tony and Cary, whom he was very close to. Summers, you could often find him and Bonnie camping with his brother Frank and sister-in-law Evie, or fishing and canoeing. Dan and Bonnie spent many afternoons paddling their kayaks on Pine Lake. They took pleasure in hosting parties for football games and holidays. More recently, he enjoyed snowshoeing, card games, and visits to the casino. At age 80, he decided it was a good time to take up biking again. Dan was a huge history buff and loved hunting for books and electronic gadgets.

He was known by many for his quick wit and humor and was never one to shy away from a friendly debate. He answered to many nicknames over the years, including Partner, Wizard, Coach, and Muskie.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents and brothers George, Tony, and Frank.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie, daughters Laurie (Steven) Lund and Michelle (Brian) Robinson, sisters-in-law Patricia Singleton and Eleanor Meunier, many nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends Johnny and Roy. To his two beloved grandchildren, Brice and Ariana, he will always be Grandpa Baseball and Papa.

Visitation for Dan will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to the time of Mass of Christian burial at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Raj Sunkura officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery with military honors provided by the Hurley American Legion Post #58 and VFW.