SHABBONA — Daniel L. Klopotek, 56, of Shabbona, loving husband and father, went home to be with his LORD and Savior on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017 after a long and courageous battle against ocular melanoma. 
Born Aug. 3, 1961, in Elgin, beloved son of Floren and Beverly (Oberg) Klopotek, Dan married Kristine Houghtby on May 12, 1984 in Shabbona, where they have made their home and raised their family for the past 33 years.
He graduated from Kaneland High School in 1979 and went on to pursue a career in automotive mechanics. From 1993 to 2012, Dan served as service department manager at Mike Mooney Chevrolet-Cadillac in Dekalb. During the past 5-1/2 years, Dan has worked for the Indian Creek School District as Maintenance Director. Whether at home or work, Dan enjoyed the challenge of fixing things and had a tremendous gift for figuring out how to do so. 
Dan’s greatest joy came from spending time with and taking care of family and friends. Of all Dan’s accomplishments, he takes the most pride in his children and grandsons.
He loved getting down on the floor to play with Liam and Landon, taking them for rides on the John Deere and working on little projects together. His face lit up when he was able to hold his newest grandson, Lukas, for the very first time just a few weeks ago. Dan enjoyed the simple pleasures of family gatherings, sitting by a campfire, working around the yard, and joking around in good fun. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a positive outlook on life.
Although Dan’s time on this earth was much too short, he lived it well. He always put others before himself and strived to serve God by serving others. Dan’s strong faith and hope in God’s will for his life were an inspiration to all who knew him. Dan will be greatly missed, but forever in our hearts.
Dan is survived by his wife, Kristine, of Shabbona; son, Jeff (Sarah) Klopotek of Rochelle and daughter, Beth (Anthony) Dewitz, of Dekalb; grandsons Liam, Landon and Lukas Dewitz; mother Beverly (Pat) Fenelon of Shawano, Wis.; sister, Debi (Steve) Rasmussen of Watertown, Wis.; in-laws, Charles and Joan Houghtby (Dekalb), Susan (Stan) Kapraun of Roanoke, and Jennifer (Joe) Masini of Mendota; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Floren Klopotek, and grandparents, Willard and Ailie Oberg, and Carl and Minnie Klopotek.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 27, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Christ Community Church, 2350 Pride Avenue, Dekalb, Ill., 60115. A celebration of life for Dan will be at the church on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. Private burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Shabbona.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Dan’s honor has been established.
Arrangements completed by Jacobson Funeral Home in Shabbona.