Daniel Joseph Casazza Sr.

Daniel Joseph Casazza Sr. (1939-2026)

Daniel Joseph Casazza Sr., known to most as Dan, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, at the age of 86. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Dan lived a life defined by hard work, service, and family.

Dan was born on May 5, 1939, in East Aurora, New York, the third of five children born to Lawrence J. and Margaret Casazza. At the age of 18, he left home to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War as a Sergeant. Following his military service, Dan settled in Tucson, Arizona.  While working as a service repairman at Montgomery Ward, he met the love of his life, Roselyn Berget. They were married in 1964 and began a partnership that would span more than six decades.

In 1969, they moved to Rose’s hometown of Turtle Lake, North Dakota to build a dairy business on the family farm.  After three years, the growing Casazza family moved to the Flathead Valley of Montana.  Dan again worked for Montgomery Ward, this time in the automotive department.  This is also where Dan began his life as a cattle rancher.  In 1977, the family had the opportunity to purchase a ranch in Eureka, Montana – a place they would call home for nearly 50 years.  It is here that Dan and Rose raised their seven sons.

In addition to ranching, Dan worked in many roles throughout his life, including extensive missionary work in Guatemala, Brazil, Mexico, and Africa.  He led the construction of water system projects, hospitals and clinics, trade schools, and many other projects.  He operated a Christmas tree farm in Eureka and served for many years as a brand inspector.  Dan was a Deacon at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Eureka, where he served faithfully for decades. He officiated countless weddings, baptisms, and funerals - touching the lives of many.  He was known for his strong work ethic, his sense of humor, and the deep pride he felt for his county.  

Dan is survived by his wife Rose, children Mary Josephine (Josie) Stewart (Sam) of Checotah, OK, Lawrence, Dan Jr. (Tracie), Eric (Shawnna), Mark, Jeb (Amy), Lucas (Kristi) of Eureka, MT and Dallas Casazza of Bullhead City, NV.  He is survived by one sibling, Timothy Casazza of Whitefish, MT and one sister-in-law, Gail Casazza, in Greer, SC.  Dan also left behind an abundance of loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence J. and Margaret, and siblings Trudy (George) Weissenberger, Larry (Ada), and Mike Casazza.   

A viewing and Rosary will be held at 6pm on Friday, January 16th at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church.  The funeral service will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 17th followed by burial at the Tobacco Valley Cemetery.  A reception will be held afterward at the Timbers Event Center.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Safe Passage (safepassage.org/casazza), an elementary school in a Guatemala City garbage dump. Dan managed the construction of Safe Passage as one of his missionary projects.  Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home of Eureka, MT. 
 

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