Daniel Bantin Obituary
Daniel L. Bantin. 1/3/1933 – 6/9/2024 Son of Walter and Victoria/Cleo Bantin, Dan was born January 3, 1933 in Milwaukee, WI. He graduated from South Division High School in 1951 where he participated in football and swimming. Dan found his love for competitive artistic and speed roller skating during this time.
Dan was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Barbara (nee Niber). He is survived by his daughters Lisa (John) Grandlich, Michele (Mike) Spadt, Jill (Doug) Dubnicka, grandchildren Ben (fiancé Amber) Spadt, Molly Spadt, Kylie (Paul) Herbst, Sam (Rachel) Smith, Dan (Brittany) Dubnicka, Evan (Kelly) Grandlich, Trevor (Elise) Smith, Dallas (fiancé Melissa) Dubnicka, Tommy Dubnicka, great grandchildren Truman, Leona, Chase, Tripp, Henley, Piper, Raymond and Vivienne.
After graduation, Dan became a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, driving for Graf Soda from 1951-1959. Beginning in 1960, Dan served the Menomonee Falls community as a police officer for 28 years, retiring as Police Lieutenant in 1988.
Dan began a lifelong passion for car racing, primarily modified stock cars, while in high school. Dan was an owner, driver and builder, building twelve cars for nine drivers over the span of his career. This passion culminated in his induction into the Southeastern Wisconsin Short Track Racing Hall of Fame in 2008.
Dan transitioned from racing into his next passion – coaching. Dan drew on his experience as a roller speed skater in the 1940s to develop successful skating teams during the 1970s through the late 1980s. His skaters competed at national and international events including the Pan American Games, the Goodwill Games and the Olympic Sports Festival. During the same time period, Dan began coaching women's fast pitch softball. In 1980, Dan founded the Menomonee Falls Angels fastpitch softball teams, including women age 14 and up. Dan was also instrumental in founding the Milwaukee Metro Women's Fastpitch League. His coaching career blossomed and he entered the ranks of college coaching including Marian University, Marquette University, Trinity Christian College and MSOE. Dan also coached numerous individual players with a focus on pitching techniques well into his 80s.
Dan spent the past four years as a member of the Fairway Knoll community where he made many friends. Dan's family would like to thank the staff and residents of Fairway Knoll for their unwavering care, devotion and friendship. The family also thanks the Brighton Hospice Healthcare team for their support and guidance.
A celebration of Dan's life will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 11am to 2pm at the Southeastern Short Track Racing Hall of Fame in Hartford, WI.
In lieu of flowers, memorials on Dan's behalf to the Southeastern Short Track Racing Hall of Fame in Hartford or Fairway Knoll – Presbyterian Homes Family Services, https://preshomes.org. in Germantown would be greatly appreciated.
