Allan D. Edgarton

Allan David “Dan” Edgarton, 88, passed away on July 10th, 2022.

Born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on September 10, 1933 to Allan Lewis Edgarton and Helen Katherine (Meiklejohn) Edgarton, Dan became the baby brother to his older sister, Mary Josephine.  It is said that he became known as “Dan” when Mary Jo was unable to pronounce his name.  His younger brother, Rob, came along in 1942.

Dan enjoyed football, basketball and studies in his youth and graduated from St. Mary’s Springs Academy of Fond du Lac in 1951.  He attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison on a NROTC scholarship and was a member of the Chi Psi fraternity. It was there, during his freshman year, that he met his future bride, Elizabeth Allen.  The two completed their bachelor’s degrees in the spring of 1956 and, two weeks following graduation, Dan and Liz were married in Milwaukee.

Out of NROTC Dan selected the Marine Corps option and 2nd LT Edgarton reported to Quantico, VA for The USMC Basic School in 1956.  Following the Basic School, Dan was transferred to Camp Pendleton, CA as an artillery officer.  While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Dan and Liz welcomed their first-born, Lynne, to the family.  

While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Dan participated in the U. S. Department of Defense’s Operation BLUMBBOB, a U.S.  atmospheric nuclear test series conducted at the Nevada Test site in 1957.  During this operation, Dan was exposed to radiation which led to his developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) later in his life.  

The family returned to Madison in 1958 and Dan attended University of Wisconsin Law School, graduating 1961, and became a member of the Wisconsin Bar.  The family then moved to Fond du Lac where Dan joined the law firm of his father Allan and law partner Neil Hobbs.  More children arrived with Kit in 1961, Gard in 1963, and David in 1969.  

He practiced law at the firm with his father and his brother until 2018 when Dan retired at the age of 85.  During his long career, he helped countless numbers of individuals and families and served as a member of the board of directors for Mayville Engineering Corporation, JF Ahern Co., and several other corporations.  He served as president of the YMCA of Fond du Lac, president of the Rotary Club, member of the Fond du Lac Area Foundation and contributor to several other non-profit organizations.

A gifted attorney with a keen sense of humor, Dan was quick to help those in need of assistance.  He enjoyed spending time outdoors, on the lake and on Washington Island.  He was an avid sportsman participating in activities including downhill and cross-country skiing, tennis, hunting, fishing, boating, golf, and horseback riding.  He loved spending time with his family (and their dogs) and his many life-long friends particularly his fellow members of the HF&D Club.

Dan is survived by his wife, Liz; brother, Robert (Sheryl) Edgarton; daughters Lynne (Kurt) Schwartau of Evergreen, CO and Kathrine Edgarton of North Fond du Lac, WI; sons Gardner (Carolyn) Edgarton of Oshkosh, WI and David Edgarton of Missoula, MT; and grandchildren Eric Schwartau, Jennifer Schwartau, Grace Edgarton, Jack Edgarton, Nathan Edgarton, Libby Edgarton, and Caden Edgarton; and many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Allan, and his sister, Mary Jo (Jack) Voss.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 14th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM and the funeral service will be held on Friday, July 15th at 10:00 AM. Both services will be held at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 535 Stow Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made in Dan’s honor to the Combat Boots & Cancer (https://combatbootsncancer.org/), St. Mary’s Springs Academy, or the charity of your choice. Go to www.zacherlfuneralhome.com to send condolences.