Daniel "Dugan" R. Meilahn

Daniel “Dugan” R. Meilahn, age 92, of Ripon, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Evergreen Retirement Community in Oshkosh, WI, with his family by his side.

Dugan was born in the Town of Utica on September 1, 1933, son of Ewald “Sport” and Monica (Shea) Meilahn. He attended Ripon area schools and went on to serve our country in the U.S. Army. Dugan was a Private First Class rank during the Korean War. On September 28, 1957, he married Lois Ann Splittgaber. He was a hard worker, starting in construction and later as a factory worker for Mercury Marine until his retirement in 1997. Dugan was a member of the VFW and the Ripon Car Club. He had a passion for old cars, especially his 1946 Ford that he bought in South Carolina. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling.

Dugan is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lois Meilahn; his four children, Christine (friend, Bill Hutton) Trapp, Lori (Jeff) Clemons, Kevin Meilahn, and Steve (Julie) Meilahn; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Sandy Splittgaber; and a brother-in-law, Dale (JoAnn) Splittgaber. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ewald “Sport” and Monica Meilahn; and two sisters, Jody Meilahn and Phyllis (Bud) Flanagan; and several other in-laws.

No funeral service will be held. A private, family graveside service, inurnment, and full military honors will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ripon, WI, at a later date. Memorials in his name may be directed to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.