Daniel Erich Pottratz

Daniel Erich Pottratz of Salem, OR, passed away June 23 from the effects of ALS. Daniel was born October 7, 1964 in Oregon City to Ronald and Donna Williams Pottratz. He attended Canby schools throughout grade school and high school. Following graduation from Canby Union High School, he attended Clackamas Community College. He held varied positions during his work life. He worked for many years at Milgaard making glass patio doors before leaving to be a machinist at Kimber. When Kimber moved out of state, he worked as a motorcycle mechanic before being hired as a custodian at Willamette University and after several years there, was hired by the Woodburn School District.

Dan had the biggest heart and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His connection with friends was clearly demonstrated as they came from several states to see him one last time before his passing. He was also quite the jokester and his infectious laughter would fill any room. He had a lifelong love of the outdoors, hunting, and this country. He reloaded ammunition for himself and others. Even after he was no longer able to go hunting, he and his fiancé would go target shooting with friends. He was a double amputee and he wore his prosthetics covered with flag designs proudly. The greatest joy of his life in recent years was spending time with Yvonne and being “grandpa” to her grandchildren.

Dan dealt with and survived multiple health issues from the beginning of his life to the end though he couldn’t survive ALS. However, his positive attitude brought him through the others with flying colors. No matter the situation, his response was always “We can beat this!” and “What needs to be done to move forward from here?” Though those health issues interfered with their wedding plans through the years, Dan and Yvonne were able to marry the day before he died.

He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Mannheimer Pottratz, his step-son Shawn and wife Ashley Jolly, Shawn’s children Kadance, Jasmine, and Jamison Jolly, his parents Ron and Donna Pottratz, his sister Anita and husband Marcus Johnson, nieces Nala and Lia Johnson, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends, and his cats Abby & Ziva. Dan is greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life for Dan will be held at Zoar Lutheran Church in Canby, Oregon on October 17, 2026 at 2 pm. In memoriam of Dan, please consider a donation to OHSU, Doernbecker’s Children’s Hospital through (https://give.ohsufoundation.org/), ALS Northwest (https://secure.alsnorthwest.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1500&mfc_pref=T&1500.donation=form1), or the charity of your choice.