Daniel Wakefield

Daniel Wakefield was born in Lincoln County, Neb., and died in Portland. Dan passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends in the intensive care unit at Providence Portland Medical Center. Dan’s love and devotion to family and friends resulted in over 30 people at his bedside.

Dan’s first passion was for his wife of 43 years, Kitty, and his family. Dan and Kitty were partners in every way. They loved and supported each other unconditionally.

Dan was an electrician with American Tote. He traveled to many states while working for the horse and dog racetracks. He also worked as a real estate broker and owned HomeSeekers Realty, before selling it to finally retire and have more time with Kitty.

Dan was in the U.S. Marine Corps, and served his country in Korea, earning two Purple Hearts. He was a communications specialist. When he came back from Korea he joined the reserves, and retired as a first sergeant after 30 years.

Dan joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) soon after returning from the war. After retirement he threw himself wholeheartedly into recruiting and going through the chairs in his post, district and Department of Oregon, ultimately serving as VFW state commander from 2006 to 2007. He was the only Oregon commander to earn Triple American Status. Dan was a member of Post #1442.

Dan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kitty; son, Danny Wakefield; daughters, Jeanne Hoecker and Sharon Dean; and granddaughter, Aubrey Dean. He is survived by his daughter, Danelle Wakefield; son, Terry Wakefield; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two brothers; and two sisters.

A viewing will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, with a funeral at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, in Ross Hollywood Chapel. Committal will follow at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Willamette National Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Ross Hollywood Chapel & Killingsworth St. John's Lombard Little Chapel of the Chimes, Portland, OR.