Daniel J. Wassenberg, 65, of Baileyville, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 4, 2015.

He was born July 2, 1949, to Wilbert A. “Bill” and Antonia Sudbeck Wassenberg. Basketball was his passion in his younger years. He grew up in Baileyville, Kansas, where he was on the basketball team going to the State championship. He attended Concordia Junior College, Concordia, Kansas, on a full scholarship and was a star basketball player, he was very proud of his rebounding record which still stands. He also, received many medals for track, especially shot put and javelin, in which he held records. After junior college, again on a full basketball scholarship, he went to Hastings College in Nebraska where he excelled. He made many friends in college and loved hearing from them and going to basketball player reunions.

Daniel had many assets most notably a fantastic sense of humor…He was able to look at nature or an inanimate object and see beyond—he brought the mundane to life. He was taken from us too early in life; he was never going to retire. He was an extremely hard working farmer and kept up on all the new chemicals, innovations, seed, and all what it takes to love the land and the animals put here for our enjoyment. He studied crops and insects and knew more than most about agriculture and farming. He was in a farming partnership with his brother, Tim.

He loved to travel seeking adventure and treasure! A strong sense of self, he was a lover of the land and all creatures that the Higher Power put on this earth for us to enjoy. New experiences were his desire, as nature and the unexplored called his name.Daniel loved taking pictures of animals and crops, going into the mountains, especially Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he made many trips hunting with his brother, Tim and his cousins. He was a treasure to his family and friends, always a deep thinker and a lover of life. He tried to help anyone that needed it. He was in no way ready for that final adventure.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. Daniel will be remembered by his family as the “BEST” son, brother, and friend anyone could ask for, and he will be sorely missed.

He was preceded in death by his father and a sister, Gloria Wassenberg.

Survivors are his mother, Antonia of Seneca; a brother, Tim Wassenberg of Baileyville; two sisters, Elaine Manahan of Seneca and Renee Wassenberg-Uhlich of Seneca.

One of his favorite poems:“Life is a game of poker, Happiness is the pot. Fate deals you four cards and a joker, And you play whether you like it or not.”

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 2PM on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. The burial will be in the church cemetery. A Rosary will be prayed at 7 PM Friday, February 6th at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.