Dan Wileman

Daniel Eugene Wileman went to be with Jesus with his beloved Joan by his side on January 8, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd, MN. Visitation will be held from 3pm - 6pm on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Heritage Church in Baxter. Funeral service will be 11:00 AM on Monday, January 13, 2025 at Heritage Church with a visitation starting one hour prior. Pastor Heath Beard will be officiating.

Dan was born on January 23,1964 in Hettinger, North Dakota, the 4th son of Reverand Donivan and Darlyne Wileman. Dan spent the majority of his growing up years in Finley, North Dakota mowing lawns, delivering papers, riding bike and playing sports. He graduated from Finley-Sharon High School in 1982. After high school he worked in Finley for a couple of years before deciding to go into Radio Broadcasting. Evangel College in Springfield Missouri offered the degree he was looking for. He finished his associate’s degree in 1986 and returned to North Dakota to pursue fame and fortune as a D.J. Dan worked for KFGO Light and Easy, Magic 103 and Lite Rock 105 in Fargo. In 1992 Dan got his big break and scored a morning show gig in Brainerd, Minnesota on 107.5 The Power Loon. He spent the next 32 years as Danny Wild; filling the morning airwaves with news, humor, advice for life and sparing with his morning partners Tim and Mac. He was often seen hosting local events and meeting and greeting his listeners. He was a fixture at Moon Dance Jam for many years.  

In 1992 Dan married the love of his life Joan Christensen in Breckenridge, Minnesota. They met at church in Fargo and the faith they shared formed the foundation of their life together. Dan’s relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was the most important thing in his life. He taught numerous Bible studies, served on the church board and ran sound. He was a mentor to many and had a sincere and loving concern for others to know Jesus and would often ask them “How is your relationship with the Lord?” Dan spent Friday evenings enjoying food and fellowship with his church Lifegroup. It was known to be the best restaurant in town. 

Dan found great enjoyment working with Joan restoring their 100 plus year old home, affectionately know as “the project”. He and Joan enjoyed traveling, stopping at an antique shop or two, and maybe an ice-cream shop. Spending time with family was of great importance to Dan. Hosting Thanksgiving was a favorite event at Dan and Joans. He loved all his nieces and nephews and tried to pour into their lives as much as possible. He was often found cheering them on at football and basketball games and encouraging them in Gods faithfulness.  

Dan will be greatly missed by Joan, his wife of 32 years; his brothers Duane and his wife Jan, Dennis and his wife Ruth and Sister-in-Law Jody; brothers-in-law Jeffrey and his wife Rebekah, Jim and his wife Fran, Cameron Gage and his wife Ronda; his 9 nieces and 15 nephews, their spouses and children, in addition to aunts, cousins, friends and his church and Power Loon family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his oldest brother David, his in-laws James and Ione Christensen and sister-in-law Jane Gage. 

Arrangements have been entrusted with Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.

LIVESTREAMING LINK: https://heritagemn.online.church