DANIEL RAY MUTCH

March 11, 1939 — March 17, 2021

Daniel Ray Mutch passed away peacefully with his family present on March 17, 2021 after a lengthy illness in his home in Napa, CA. He was 82.

Dan was born in Potlatch, Idaho March 11, 1939. He was one of 15 children born to Delbert and Dorothea Mutch. It was a family life that he spoke fondly of and he often told stories growing up with his brothers and sisters. The family lived in different small towns in Washington and Idaho where his father was a teacher, band director and a minister. Many of the kids played musical instruments and basketball was the favorite game for Dan and his brothers. Often when the family would move, their new small schools would suddenly have many pieces of a school band and a starting 5 basketball team.

Dan graduated from high school in 1957 and attended colleges and eventually graduated from the University of Washington. However, before he finished college, he joined the army with his brother John. He was in the army from 1961 through 1963 and was stationed in Ludwigsburg, Germany. It was there that he met his future wife and love of his life, Ursula. The courtship began; Dan was relentless and kept showing up. Ursula was impressed with his perseverance and desire to succeed. Ursula’s mother liked him and cooked great German meals for him. Her father also liked him, and was impressed with his character and that he was all set up to become a teacher; and therefore approved the big move to America.

They married in 1964 and lived in Mount Lake Terrace and Bremerton, Washington where Dan began his teaching career. Son Mike and daughter Michelle were born during this time. Then in 1968, they made another big move — this time to Lodi where Ursula’s sister, uncles and aunts lived.

Dan continued teaching at Senior Elementary Junior High School in Lodi from 1968 to 1971. In 1971, he began teaching high school at the old Tokay High School, and he coached freshman basketball at Tokay High from 1972 to 74. He was wellliked and well-respected by students and teachers and he was very fond of those years. He taught at Tokay High until he changed careers in 1981.

Dan started a career as an Agent for State Farm insurance in Lodi in 1982. He enjoyed working for State Farm and loved helping his customers with their insurance needs. He also loved the family feeling and atmosphere within the company. Ursula was instrumental in the business and it was truly a partnership. Son Mike joined the office in 1986 and worked together until 1991 when he started his own State Farm Agent office. Dan had success at State Farm. He was nationally recognized in sales and many times he was asked to speak about his office processes around California and the country. He and Ursula traveled to many places including Europe, Hawaii, Bermuda and Vancouver.

In 1989, Ursula’s parents moved from Germany to permanently live in Lodi, and they added on to their home to accommodate them. Oma and Opa were a big part of Dan and Ursula’s life the last 20 years of their lives.

Dan had a love for sports. He loved the San Francisco Giants and the 49ers, the Warriors and Kings. He and Ursula were excited to be season ticket owners and a part of the new Pac Bell Park in 2001. When he was in his early to middle aged years, he enjoyed tennis and had regular tennis partners he’d meet on weekends or evenings at Legion Park and Hale Park. Dan loved fishing and fished for catfish and stripers on Disappointment Slough and other delta spots. Later, they bought a boat, and he could often be seen on Lake Pardee and Lake Camanche. They also took their motor home to local spots, including Reno to visit daughter Michelle and grandchildren.

Dan loved to read, and stayed current on events. He frequently had a few books going at once, and his kindle was full. He enjoyed his family and loved spending time with his grandchildren, Taylor, Jackee, Alex and Nick. In 2016, Dan and Ursula moved to Napa to be closer to family.

Dan is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ursula; son and daughter in law, Mike and Lynn Mutch; daughter and son in law, Michelle and Jay Lang; grandchildren, Taylor, Jackee, Alex (Quinn) and Nick (Hannah); 7 greatgrandchildren; as well as his siblings, Bill Mutch (Patty), John Mutch (Veronica), James Mutch (Judy), Geoff Mutch, and Becky Scheel (Mark).

A celebration of life will be planned for family and friends at a later date.

Donations in Dan’s honor can be made to the Alzheimers Association, www.alz.org.

Please sign the guest book at lodinews.com/guestbook.