Daniel James Ochs, Sr., 62, of Lucinda, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, April 20, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Oil City on September 2, 1961, he was the son of the late Carl and Delene (Fesenmyer) Ochs.
Dan graduated from North Clarion High School and started his career at PennDOT shortly after.
He worked his way up to Foreman, earning recognition by the governor with the Star of Excellence Award.
He retired after 35 years of service to the State.
Dan enjoyed all things outdoors, especially mowing, gardening, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, and splitting wood.
He and his family moved to his father-in-law’s farm in 2008 where he enjoyed planting corn, making hay and going for buggy rides.
He also loved to take his little companion, Skippy, around the farm on rounds to check the crops.
Dan’s final mark on the farm was a new house for the family to continue to make memories in.
Dan is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Susan (Keister) Ochs, and children, Daniel Ochs, Jr. (Misty) of Fayetteville, NC, Anthony Ochs (Brandy) of Clarion, Joshua Ochs of Harrisville, Miranda Ochs of Erie, and Katelynne Trudgen (Jake) of
Lickingville.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Zoe, Ian, Joslynn, Jolene, Logan, Alisa, Toni, and Willard.
He was proud of his children’s accomplishments, but his greatest joy in life was seeing the grandbabies laugh, play, and grow.
He also enjoyed the company of Winston, his four-legged companion, following Skippy’s passing.
He is further survived by his siblings, Carl Ochs (Carolyn) of Fischer, TX, Jeffrey Ochs (Cindy) of Springfield, VA, Keith Ochs of Ashburn, VA, Frederick Ochs of Lucinda, Theresa Young (Jerome) of Butler, Michelle Hughes (Butch) of Leeper and Andrew Ochs (Brenda) of Lucinda and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Michael Ochs, his father-in-law, Gary Keister, and mother-in-law, Reba “Louise” (Clawson) Bayle.
The Robert V. Burns Funeral Home in Clarion is handling the arrangements.
Per Dan’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at his home in Lucinda on Saturday, April 27, 2024 starting at 2 p.m.
Family and friends are invited to share Dan’s favorite meal, chicken on the spit, as well as favorite memories, with the
family.
The family would like to thank the nurses that cared for Dan at the Clarion Cancer Center and through the Clarion Forest VNA.
He always looked forward to giving them a hard time during their visits.
The family also encourages all to speak with their doctors regarding the need for colorectal cancer screening.
Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.rvburnsfuneralhome.com.
