Daniel C. Kautz, 70, died unexpectedly at the home of his daughter and son in law in Adams Center where he had lived since 2022, on Tuesday December 16, 2025.  Calling hours will be Sunday December 28 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at the Piddock Funeral Home.  Funeral service and burial will be at a later date.

Arrangements are with the Piddock Funeral Home Inc, Adams, NY.

Born December 9, 1955 in Callicoon Center, NY, he was the son of Harold G. and Mary A. (Jackson) Kautz.  He attended Jeffersonville-Youngsville Central High School, Jeffersonville, NY, graduating in 1976.  He entered the US Navy in December 1977 and served on the USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 in Norfolk, VA, as a fueler on the aircraft carrier.  After  his discharge in August 1981, Daniel worked building homes as a general contractor for many years.  Following his retirement, he moved to Adams Center where he lived with his daughter and son in law, Jennifer and Timothy Grauel.

He married Cheryl Heitzman on October 4, 1979.  The couple later separated.  Cheryl died May 10, 2024.

He is survived by three daughters, Jennifer (Timothy) Grauel, Adams Center, Danielle (Jeffrey) Acquaviva and Krystal Kautz, both of Levittown, PA; one son Christopher Kautz, NJ; nine grandchildren: Timothy Grauel Jr., Ashlyn Grauel, Ryan Grauel, Julena Grauel, Gia Grauel, Kaylee Acquaviva, Jeffrey Acquaviva Jr., Gabriella Diemidio, Colton Herbert; one great grandchild Mia Grauel.  Also five brothers Donald, Dennis, Larry, Doug, Darryl Kautz; two sisters Judith Bradley, Julie Kimball; and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by both his parents and a brother Brian Kautz.

Daniel enjoyed woodworking, fishing, camping and spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren.

Condolences may be made at www.piddockfuneralhome.com