Daniel (Dan) Thaut

Daniel (Dan) Thaut passed away peacefully at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake on Nov. 8, 2006, at age 86. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel and Crematory, Moses Lake.

Dan was born to Jacob and Susan (Reiber) Thaut on Dec. 29, 1919, in Ritzville. Dan attended Ritzville High School and was active in sports, selected as team captain for football, basketball, and baseball. After graduating in 1938, he stayed in Ritzville, working for a local milk distributor and playing baseball for the town team, the Ritzville Ramblers. Dan was offered an opportunity to play professional baseball, but chose instead to stay working in the area.

Dan moved to Spokane in 1944 and began working for Arden Farms Dairy. In January 1947, Dan met his future wife and best friend, Helen Joy Brownfield. They were married in 1948 and lived in Spokane, Ritzville, and Opportunity, Wash. Dan worked in the Spokane milk processing plant and as a "milkman," delivering to towns throughout Eastern Washington, until he was transferred to the new Arden Farms plant in Moses Lake in 1960. Dan continued to work at the dairy after it was purchased by Darigold and Carnation until he retired in 1982. Dan worked 44 years without missing a single day due to illness.

Dan was a life long sports enthusiast who umpired and coached youth baseball, followed the local high school and college teams, and especially enjoyed watching his son and grandchildren participate in their athletic events. Dan loved to fish and was an avid horse-race fan who spent many days at Playfair and Longacres, sometimes "coming out ahead" and sometimes not. Dan loved to travel and fondly recalled family roadtrips to California and Reno, a 29-day group tour through 21 states, a 50th wedding anniversary trip to Hawaii, a trip to Australia, and travels throughout the state supporting his grandchildren's athletic teams.

Dan was preceded in death by his brothers Jacob and Arthur, and sister Mary. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joy; son Jerry and daughter-in-law Debbie Thaut of Scottsdale, Ariz.; daughter Sue Deal of Auburn; and his grandchildren who were the light of his life: Jaime Green (Tyler); Kory Thaut (Nanette); Allison Deal; Devin Thaut; Travis Lee; and Cris Lee.

Respecting Dan's wishes, there will be no public service. The family gives special thanks to neighbor Bob Donohue and to the ICU staff at Samaritan Hospital. Memorial contributions may be made to Moses Lake High School Booster Club, c/o MLHS Athletics, 803 E. Sharon Ave., Moses Lake, WA 98837; American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org; or charity of donor's choice.