Obituaries
Daniel A. Rottier
August 14, 1951 - January 03, 2025
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Obituary For Daniel A. Rottier
Madison - Daniel A. Rottier passed away unexpectedly on January 3, 2025. Dan was a talented and highly accomplished lawyer whose accolades could fill this newspaper. Much more than that, however, he was a singularly remarkable father, husband and friend.
Dan grew up on a farm in West De Pere, Wisconsin. His childhood on the farm shaped the man he would become, instilling in him exceptional discipline, humility and integrity—and providing a lifetime’s worth of anecdotes to amuse his children. Dan attended St. Boniface Elementary School and the all-boys’ Catholic high school, Abbot Pennings.
After high school, Dan enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Madison and spent a semester studying at the United Nations in New York City. Dan graduated with an honors degree in English and continued on to the University of Wisconsin Law School, graduating in 1976. Following three years of general practice, Dan joined the Habush law firm in the year it was founded, 1979. Only 11 years later, he had tried 100 jury trials and was the youngest fellow inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. In 1992, he was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers. He was the first attorney to receive Trial Lawyer of the Year twice by the Wisconsin Association for Justice. In 2009, Dan was invited into the membership of the Inner Circle of Advocates, a group limited to the top 100 plaintiff trial lawyers in the United States.
Throughout his career, Dan successfully resolved a number of a high-profile cases, including taking on Big Tobacco, litigating the largest lawsuit ever prosecuted in the state of Wisconsin, resulting in a master settlement totaling over five billion dollars. Although he primarily practiced in Wisconsin, Dan’s career brought him in front of judges in 18 other states, as well as the United States Supreme Court, where he successfully argued Molzof v. United States.
In 1997, Dan married the love of his life, Frankie Kirk, in a small ceremony in their backyard. Together they raised three boys. Dan and his wife loved spending summers on their boat touring Lake Mendota, playing Rummy on their porch, and walking the trails at their cabin with their two dogs, Liliana and Luciano. As proud Madison Northsiders, the pair spent many nights at their favorite Northside establishments, Lola’s and the Tip Top Tavern. They enjoyed frequent walks throughout their neighborhood, Dan with his trademark Stetson and cane, stopping to talk to new people every time.
Dan was an avid traveler and made it a priority to include his children whenever possible. Some favorite trips include Vietnam, The Bahamas, France, and most recently two weeks in Japan this past October. Dan was also a lover of theater, both stage and screen and shared this passion with his kids from a young age. Trips to New York for Broadway musicals and recommendations for old westerns and war movies certainly made for well-rounded children. Most recently, on the day after Christmas, he took his family to see A Complete Unknown. He loved it.
Frankie will forever miss Dan’s beautiful red curly hair, her card-playing partner with the unrivaled intellect, and the man who always had her back. His sons will always remember their role model, miss his jokes that made mom scoff, and treasure the memories made on their many trips, especially their annual fishing trip to Wollaston Lake Lodge in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Dan is survived by his wife, Frankie Kirk, and three wonderful sons: John Kirk Walsh (Alice Kirst), Derek Kirk Rottier, and Jake Kirk Rottier; brothers Abe Rottier and Ken Rottier; sisters Dottie Rottier and Nancy Rottier. He was preceded in death by his parents Josephine Vanden Heuvel and Alphonse Rottier; sisters Carol Rottier and Helen Rottier; and brother Jerry Rottier.
A memorial service for Dan will be held Sunday, January 12, 10am - 12pm at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison.
We end with a quote from Dan’s favorite musician, Warren Zevon:
“We’ll never know ‘till we try,
to find the other side of goodbye”
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation services
2418 N Sherman Ave
608-249-8257
Services
Memorial Service
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Tributes
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Anne MacArthur planted 10 trees in memory of Daniel A. Rottier . - January 12, 2025
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Brenda McKeen planted 10 trees in memory of Daniel A. Rottier . - January 12, 2025
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Doris Lattos sent Loving Lilies and Roses Bouquet for Daniel A. Rottier - January 10, 2025
We have many fond memories of Dan. His kindness and friendship meant a very great deal to us. Bill and Doris Gleisner
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Dave Galipo sent Red and White Handled Basket for Daniel A. Rottier - January 09, 2025
Dan was a wonderful person and my heart goes out to your entire family. Your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers. - Dale K. Galipo
Condolences
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January 12, 2025
Dan was my law school classmate, friend and stalwart in the legal community. I very much wanted to be present this morning to attend his memorial service. However my plans were upended when my flight to Madison last evening was cancelled due to weather and I was unable to book another flight that would get to Madison in time for me to attend the memorial service. My heart is heavy with this disappointment, but I say farewell to Dan as I think of him this morning and in my own way celebrate his life. I extend my sympathy to his family and many friends as we together remember this remarkable man. Ann Walsh Bradley
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January 11, 2025
Brilliant Atty.Great humor. Always had time to help other Attorneys. No finer Atty if he represented you. I can remember his first law firm and from there made it to the top. Hard working. He will be missed but not forgotten
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January 11, 2025
I would like to express my condolences to Daniel's family, friends and colleagues. He was an incredible voice and advocate for those less fortunate and will be remembered forever for his kindness and generosity. I hope there are others who can follow in his footsteps - such greatness we would continue to have among us.
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January 11, 2025
Frankie, our condolences to you and your family. We will keep you in our prayers. Rest in Peace Dan. - Marian and Aaron Thompson
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January 10, 2025
One hell of an attorney, better yet one hell of a person. You will not be forgotten. Bruce & Becky Schultz
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January 10, 2025
I met Dan first day of HS as his locker was next to mine. Turns out his Aunt, a nun, was my favorite teacher ever. He was full of smiles and a great wit. Never afraid to take on a challenge. Our prayers for the family and friends. Smiles for him as well as our appreciation for the difference he made.
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January 10, 2025
Hugs and prayers for the Rottier family. A good man, with a life well led. Once a Squire always a Squire.... Jay Williams
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January 09, 2025
Frankie So sorry for your loss. Dan was as exceptional as a person as he was as an attorney. I had many encounters with him over the years and enjoyed them all. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. John Moore
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January 09, 2025
I am so sorry for you loss. Rottier family helped EHS over the years.
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January 09, 2025
Prayers to all Brenda Jerry stenli
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January 09, 2025
John and I are very sorry to hear this news. We send our condolences to Frankie and family. We will miss him.
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January 08, 2025
Dan was brilliant but also funny, kind, generous and thoughtful. He was an inspiring colleague and friend. I am so sorry for this incredible loss to your family. I am out of the country and will not be able to attend the ceremony. You are in my prayers.
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January 08, 2025
Frankie, my condolences for you and Jake. It was so wonderful to see you both at the symphony this past year. I'll forever cherish how proud Dan was of every musical accomplishment Jake enjoyed, and how absolutely special it was for my studio to be welcomed into your home for the most gorgeous Christmas recital I ever held. Dan's was a life very well lived. - Shad Wenzlaff
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January 08, 2025
Thinking of you Frankie. So sorry to hear of Dan's passing. Such a great guy..always so interested and friendly. Martha Beach
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January 08, 2025
Condolences to you, Frankie, and your family. I was shocked when I read the paper on line this morning to read of Dan's passing. Charlie & Rosemary Carr
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January 08, 2025
I first met Dan when we were messengers in the state legislature in the early 1970's. We often ran into each other at sporting events and restaurants throughout the years. I will miss that smile...that red hair! I cannot be at the funeral but I want to send my sincere condolences to all his family during this most difficult time. --Laurene Bach
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January 07, 2025
So sorry to see you go, my friend. I'll always cherish our many conversations over 40 years of friendship. Rest in peace; you've earned it. Ric Domnitz
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