Dan Frederick

Danny “Dan” Todd Frederick, 72, of Worland, Wyoming, passed away on October 25, 2026, leaving behind a rich legacy of family, friendship, and dedicated community service.

Born in Watertown, South Dakota, on September 20, 1954, Dan grew up and attended school in Hayti, South Dakota. He pursued his love of music at South Dakota State University, majoring in music and playing in the SDSU Marching Band. It was in the college band that he met Catherine "Cathy" Hedge. The two were married in July 1975, beginning a life centered around family, community, and song.

In 1977, Dan and Cathy moved to Powell, Wyoming, where Dan joined Cathy's parents’ business, Hedge Music. In 1981, they settled in Worland to open the Worland Hedge Music, which became a cornerstone for school band students in the Big Horn Basin. Together they welcomed two children, Tyler in 1981, and Heidi in 1984. Following Cathy’s passing in August 1996, Dan was blessed to find love again, marrying Nancy Kaiser in May 1997. Their marriage created a loving blended family with Nancy’s three children, Kelly, Andrew, and Rebecca.

A passionate musician, Dan founded and directed the PSALM Choir and the Sugar Beats vocal group, played in the community band, and frequently acted in and directed musicals at the Washakie Museum. Of all his roles on stage, his favorite was portraying Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.

Dan’s creativity was equally evident in his woodworking shop. A skilled craftsman, he designed and built the hanging cross, baptismal font, and candlestick holders used at Grace Lutheran Church, where he was an active member and long-time treasurer. His handcrafted pieces were also cherished gifts to family and friends over the years.

Deeply committed to civic life, Dan generously gave his time to the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Community Concerts, School Board, Planning Commission, and the Downtown Beautification Project. He also played an integral role on the board and in the design and planning of the Washakie Museum and Cultural Center.

Driven by the mission that "No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!" Dan and Nancy co-founded the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Dan expanded his impact by serving as the Regional Support Lead across five states, helping deliver beds to children in need across the region.

Reflecting on his own life's work, Dan shared: "For those outside the family, I hope they remember me as a generous person that wasn’t afraid to volunteer when I saw there was a need. I want to be remembered as a musician, a businessman, and a volunteer."

Dan was preceded in death by his first wife, Catherine (Hedge) Frederick; his mother, Roselyn Arlette (Stormo) Frederick; his stepmother, Cindy Frederick; his parents-in-law, Paul and Lois Hedge and Harold and Grace Sandness; and his best friend, Greg Kaiser.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Frederick; his children, Tyler Frederick of Worland, Heidi (Chris) Donofrio of Massapequa, New York, Kelly (Terry) Kaiser Borning of Gilbert, Arizona, Rebecca (Tim) Kaiser of Rimrock, Arizona, and Andrew (Tressa) Kaiser of Wellington, Colorado; his father, Willis Verle Frederick of Hayti, South Dakota; his brother, Randy (Cindy) Frederick; his sister, Tina (David) Harrenga; his brother-in-law, Randy (Holly) Hedge; his sister-in-law, Dorothy (Chuck) Erstad; his brother-in-law, Larry (Karen) Sandness and his seven grandchildren, Trevor and Stephanie Kaiser Borning, Miles and Charlotte Kaiser-Callen, and Olive, Calvin, and Daisy Donofrio along with many special nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, October 30, 2026 at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Tim Trippel officiating. Dan’s family requests that in lieu of flowers please make memorial gifts to Grace Lutheran of Worland, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, or the Washakie Hospital Foundation. Memorials may be sent to PO Box 524, Worland, Wyoming 82401. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.