Daniel Thomas Gaworecki, 67, of Owatonna, Minnesota, died Thursday morning, Dec. 3, 2015, at the Homestead Hospice with his wife Margaret by his side.

Dan was born on Sept. 21, 1948, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Stanley and Jean Gaworecki (Murphy). He enlisted in the United States Army in 1967 and served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, and was wounded during a long-range reconnaissance mission. He was retired from the service due to disability and was a life member of the DAV. He loved his brothers from his airborne unit and attended many Army reunions.

He married Margaret Torgrimson on Aug. 29, 1969.

Dan enjoyed a varied teaching career with the Owatonna School District that spanned more than 30 years, and taught a variety of classes in the Social Studies Department including both alternative, advanced placement and baccalaureate classes. His students would remember him for his many Gaworeckiisms.

He was a treasure who was known for his charming smile, his tolerance, his quick wit and his humor. He adored his family and was a loyal friend. He was beloved.

He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret. He has three surviving children: Katy (Patrick) Williams, Megan (Adam) Malmquist, and Matthew (Robbie) Gaworecki; beloved grandchildren: Owen, Fynn, and Hayden Williams and Ellen, Maddie and Jack Malmquist. He is also survived by loving sisters- and brothers-in-law, and many loving nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his infant son, Gabriel; his beloved step-mother Rose; brother Robert; his mother- and father-in-law Rolf and Phyllis Torgrimson; and his sweet sister-in-law, Ann.

Friends may greet the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, at the Brick-Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Rd) and one hour prior the funeral mass at church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Owatonna. Interment will be at a later date. Military Honors will be provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Owatonna Foundation, Homestead Hospice Patient Fund or the Owatonna Men’s Homeless Shelter. For more information or to leave an online condolence message go to www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com.