Daniel Thomas Hauck, 70, passed away November 19, 2023, at Diversicare of Hutchinson. He was born January 18, 1953, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Thomas Frank Hauck and Thelma Merleen (Leeper) Hauck.
Daniel was a proud member of the military, having served two terms in the United States Navy: from 1969 to 1973, on the U.S.S. Jouett, and from 1977 to 1981, on the U.S.S. Coral Sea. After being honorably discharged, he moved on to be a driver and mechanic for Chism’s Trash Service, in Great Bend, Kansas. Daniel was not just an employee, but a friendly face to all on his route, from passing out candy for the kids, handing out treats for the furry friends, and being followed around and recorded by teens that were interested in his work.
On February 14, 2000, he married the love of his life, Janice Lynn Goans. To their union, Janice brought along her daughter, Shawna, and Shawna’s daughter, Caitlin, whom he grew an unconditional, lifelong bond with. Janice later passed away on April 22, 2007. Daniel’s heart was shattered by this loss. While he left us much sooner than we would have wanted, Daniel was ready to be back together with Janice for eternity.
Survivors include his mother, Thelma M. Hembree of Hutchinson; children, Shawna Goans of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Kevin (spouse Tammi) Schreiner of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Caitlin Schmitt of Lincoln, Nebraska, Nola Schreiner of Austin, Texas, and Gibson Schreiner of Austin, Texas; siblings, Mike Cooper of Hutchinson, Kelly (spouse Milton) Clevenger of Colwich, and Amenda Lobstein of Hutchinson; goddaughter, Leanda Love Mooney, Leadville, Colorado; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Janice Lynn Hauck; his stepfather, George ‘Tommy’ Hembree; brother, Robert Lee Hauck; and three infant sisters.
If you knew Daniel, you most likely knew him as Dan, Danny, Dan-Dan the Trash Man, or Caitlin’s Papa. He was a devoted family man, and lifelong friend to many. Daniel's passion for his work, his wife, and his family never failed to shine. He will be greatly missed and cherished.
Cremation has taken place. Graveside service for both Daniel and Janice will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Great Bend Cemetery, 4500 Broadway Ave., Great Bend, KS, 67530. Military honors will be presented by United States Navy Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to the Daniel Hauck Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.