Daniel E Sholders

August 22, 1959 - December 20, 2021

Daniel Edward Sholders, 62, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2021 after recently discovering he had cancer and following a lengthy series of illnesses, including kidney disease. Dan was born in Dixon, IL on August 22, 1959. His parents, Don and Kay (Fritts) Sholders moved to Ottawa, IL when he was 7 weeks old, and he has remained a resident of Ottawa ever since. His service as an alter boy at St. Francis Church ignited a passion for the Catholic Church and his strong faith provided the courage he needed during his final hours. Dan had an excellent memory and would often share his fond memories of spending summers in Dixon on his grandparents’ farm feeding the pigs, chasing the chickens, catching lightning bugs and hanging out with his aunts, uncles and cousins. His young-at-heart demeanor made him a bit of a child whisperer and when he became an uncle himself, all Dan’s nieces and nephews loved spending time with him coloring, making up stories, watching cartoons or just acting silly. Danny was a very funny guy! His friendly, good natured personality combined with a razor-sharp wit always made Danny the life of the party and there was always a party! He loved all kinds of people and enjoyed spending time with them whether it be while volunteering at the hospital or out in nature hiking, boating, and fishing on the Illinois River, traveling to a concert or heading to Chicago to support his beloved Cubs and Bears. Dan even had a Cubs rally monkey with him at hospice until the very end! Dan was preceded in death by his father, Don Sholders, his sister Cindy Sholders, and his grandparents, Howard and Velma Sholders, and Fred and Margaret Fritts. Survivors include his mother Kay (Neil Coffey), Ottawa, two brothers, Ken Sholders, Los Angeles and Brad (Beth) Sholders, Ottawa, and one sister Beth (Don) Anzelmo of Minooka, IL. He is also survived by three nieces Mandi Miller, Zoe and Nevaeh Sholders, two nephews, Nathan Slover (godson) and Levi Sholders, two great nieces Hannah Miller and Madison Halm and one great nephew, Ian Janke. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday December 28, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Church, 612 Highland Ave, Dixon, IL 61021. Viewing will be from 9 am – 11 am followed by a Catholic Mass from 11 am – Noon. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon. In lieu of flowers, please donate to: Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care Center 250 Water Stone Circle Joliet, IL 60431 Online donation form can be found at www.lightways.org.