Daniel Raymond Hayes

Daniel Raymond Hayes, age 79, of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Prescott Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Daniel was born on June 11, 1946, in Red Wing, Minnesota, the son of Marvin and Lola (Owen) Hayes. He was raised in Beldenville and attended Ellsworth High School. Dan went on to work for Rolston Purina in Hager City as a forklift driver.

On June 19, 1965, he was united in marriage to Elaine Spielman in Ellsworth. To this union, three children were born: Tammy, Luke, and Zeb. Though their paths later went separate ways, Dan remained in Ellsworth, a place he always called home.

At the young age of 33, Dan suffered a stroke that left his left side partially paralyzed. While life changed in an instant, he never let it define him. Instead, he made the most of each day.

Dan had an appreciation for the simple things in life. He enjoyed driving the countryside, keeping an eye on the fields, seeing what was new, or counting geese gathered in the roadside ponds. He loved hunting-whether it was deer season or chasing down a raccoon-and found peace in fishing, especially at Little Blake Lake, hoping for a panfish or the occasional elusive walleye. He also had a knack for garage sales, always on the lookout for a treasure he couldn't live without-or a good pony pull to enjoy. Dan was a familiar face at the euchre table at Snowballs, where he valued the laughter and camaraderie of friends.

He is survived by his children, Tammy (Kenny) Scamp of Hager City, Luke (Ione) Hayes of Beldenville, and Zeb (Tiffany) Hayes of Spring Valley; his grandchildren, Chris (Briana), Travis (Leah), Brandi (Anthony), Rachael, Ethan (Lee), Cole, Jack, Billy, Daniel, Jillian, Sam, and Silas; and his great-grandchildren, Trenton, Aiden, Braxton, Kailer, Serenity, and Coryn. He is also survived by his siblings, Margaret Koolmo and Harley (Lisa) Hayes; sister-in-law, Rena Hayes; and special friend Jeanne Johnson.

Dan was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Kyra Hayes; his siblings, Marvin Jr, Harvey, Jack, and Duane (Sally); and his brother-in-law, Larry Koolmo.

Graveside services for Daniel Hayes will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Ellsworth.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to O'Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth.