Frank H. Daniels, 96, of Janesville, passed away from complications of dementia at New Glarus Home on May 26, 2024. He was born in Orfordville, WI, the son of Frank C. and Leah E. (DeVoe) Daniels. Frank was a graduate of Milton Union High School, Milton College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He met the love of his life, Betty Ruth Fisher, and they were married November 27, 1946. Together, they raised and nurtured twelve children to adulthood, including a child with a developmental disability that led to active involvement and leadership in ARC. 

Frank started from humble beginnings growing up during the depression of the 1930’s. He joined the Navy for the duration of WW II following high school graduation and was always proud of his service to our country. 

He was a hard-working man who strove to provide for his large family by serving as a band and choral director in area schools and churches. He also gave music lessons, played in local dance bands and was a sales representative for National Guardian Life. Frank personally attended to the repair and upgrade of his home wherever possible. 

Music was a lifelong love beginning with a childhood performance in his grandparent’s vaudeville company and it continued through a lifetime of music performance and instruction. As an educator, he was most proud of creating and directing the Rock County Rural Band Program providing a unique music experience for rural students, a first of its kind in the nation. 

He was a dedicated family man who liked to say that his family was his responsibility, but never his burden. He was a dynamic individual whose presence was always in evidence, and who was unfailingly resilient in an emergency. He was a strict parent, but taught his children well and loved them to the end. 

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 77 years, Betty Ruth Daniels; 10 children: Frank (Ceri) Daniels, Robert (Lynn) Daniels, Mary (Allen) Zimmerman, Cecelia (Randy) Vanderlip, David (Debbie) Daniels, Kathryn (Farron) Kolb, John Daniels, Ruth (Matt) Gregerson, Patricia Daniels, Janet (Chris) Berg; 25 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Suzanne Shadel; son, Thomas Daniels; granddaughter, Andrea Vanderlip; parents; sisters Virginia and Judith; brother, Robert. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Milton. A visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will take place at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Milton. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com