Daniel P. Moerkerke

HAMILTON - Daniel Patrick Moerkerke was born on September 27, 1955 in Hamilton, MT to Albert and Isabella Moerkerke. He had an older brother, Jim, and younger sister, Laurie. Dan was the typical middle child. Happy, easy-going and always down for some fun (or some harmless mischief.) Jim would often convince Dan to be his guinea pig for all sorts of things, which occasionally landed him in the Emergency Room, sometimes even twice in one day (it’s true, ask Izzy!) Dan spent his entire life in Hamilton. He took over the family business and ran Al’s Car Care, Uhaul and Dollar Rent a Car for 40+ years. He was a volunteer firefighter for 20 years and served on the Hamilton School Board (with intentions of making no friends). Dan spent his younger years causing a ruckus around town with his best friend, Terry Williams. We can only imagine the stories those two are reminiscing on in heaven right now! He met his wife, Denise, in 1978 at her sisters wedding, she was only a sophomore in high school. Their paths crossed again in 1982 at a softball tournament in Hamilton. They got married in 1986, proceeded to have two children and a wonderful life filled with countless trips to Flathead, lots of beers and a lifetime of laughs. They eventually took over another family business, Cheers, in Hamilton. Dan was lucky to have his kids and grandkids in Hamilton to provide endless entertainment, drives around town and dinosaur facts. He passed peacefully at home on Jan 28, 2025 surrounded by his family. Dan is preceded in death by his father (Albert Moerkerke.) He is survived by his mother, Isabella; his wife, Denise of 38 years; his kids Dayna (Trevor Morton) and Dace (Samantha Kratofil); his grandkids Otto, Palmer and Murphy; his brother Jim (Joyce) Moerkerke; his sister Laurie (Dave) Henroid; and many, many wonderful nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate Dan’s life will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 11:00 am at Daly-Leach Memorial Chapel, followed by a reception at the Eagles from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to the Hamilton Fire Department.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.