In Loving Memory of Dan “The Man” Fast

Dan M. Fast, 73, passed away on September 28, 2026, surrounded by family and friends who loved him dearly. He was born on June 16, 1953, in Tucson, Arizona, and grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Dan—affectionately known to many as “Dan the Man”—lived a life full of family, friendship, faith, adventure, laughter, and service. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose greatest gifts were his generous heart, his sense of humor, his strong faith, and the way he made everyone feel welcome.

Dan proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from during the Vietnam era. His service was an important part of his life, and his family remains proud of the time he devoted to serving his country.

Dan never met a stranger. He had a way of making people feel like they had known him for years. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and if someone needed a meal, Dan was happy to cook one. His generosity was simply part of who he was. He gave his time, his help, and his heart freely to the people around him.

A Natural Salesman and Entrepreneur. Dan was a born salesman who loved to make a deal. His entrepreneurial spirit took him through many different chapters and places in his life. Early on, he owned car dealerships in Hawaii, and later he built a career in real estate in Florida. No matter what he was selling or where his adventures took him, Dan loved meeting people, making connections, and finding a way to make a deal work. He always said, “It was only a good deal if both parties were happy.” That philosophy said a great deal about Dan and the way he approached life.

Dan loved people, loved to talk, and had a gift for making connections wherever he went. He also loved to surprise people. Whether it was an unexpected gift or a thoughtful gesture, Dan took great pleasure in making someone else happy. There was just one thing he didn't enjoy—being surprised himself!

Dan had a deep love for travel, adventure, and experiencing new places. He especially cherished family cruises, where he could spend time making memories with the people he loved. He also had a true passion for flying. Dan earned his pilot’s license and loved being in the air, combining his love of adventure with the freedom of flying. Whether traveling by plane, exploring a new destination, or setting off on another family adventure, Dan embraced life with curiosity and excitement.

One of Dan's greatest passions was tennis. For more than 20 years, he played tennis six days a week, forming friendships and creating a second family along the way. He loved his tennis family dearly. Dan often joked that his heart was so healthy from all those years of playing tennis that it would keep beating long after he was gone—a joke that perfectly captured his humor and personality. Dan also loved golf and enjoyed the friendships and time spent on the course.

And then there were the Green Bay Packers. Dan was a devoted Packers fan and took great pride in being a Packers (1) shareholder. Cheering for the Packers was more than just watching football, it was something he truly enjoyed and was proud to be a part of.

Above all, Dan had a deep and abiding faith. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now home with the Lord, at peace and reunited with the One he trusted throughout his life.

Dan was preceded in death by his father, John E. Fast; his mother, Lois E. Poe; and his brother, James D. Fast. and is survived by his loving wife, Kelley; his daughter, Dannie Swanson-Vanest, and her husband, Dominique; his sons, John C. Fast and his wife Renee, Corey M. Fast, Slayter M. Fast and his wife Maycie, Devin M. Fast and his wife Victoria, and Eric Baum; Fifteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; his sister, Barbara J. Driesen; nieces and nephews; many cousins, extended family members, friends, and loved ones.

He leaves behind countless people who were fortunate enough to know him and experience his kindness.

His family will carry his love, his laughter, his lessons, and his memory with them always. They will cherish the memories of family cruises, adventures shared, meals around the table, time on the tennis court and golf course, Packers games, flights through the skies, and all the little moments that made Dan who he was. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

Celebration of Life late January 2027. Online condolences may be shared at www.seawindsfh.com