Born and raised in Elgin, Illinois, in 1972 Dann married his high school girlfriend, Linda. Together they moved to Minnesota in 1975 so he could pursue schooling. In 1984, after graduating from Bethel College and Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, Dann was ordained a Lutheran pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul. A man of deep faith, he served Faith Lutheran Church in Isle, Minnesota, and Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in St. Paul. Dann led his congregations with care, skilled preaching, and compassionate ministry in Word and Sacrament.
After retiring from ordained ministry, Dann used his analytical and managerial skills in service of the State of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota. He retired from the University in 2014, last serving as Director of Employee Benefits.
Dann was a member of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in St. Paul. Known to church members as Tikhon, the contribution of his beautiful bass voice to the choir was loved by all and will be missed.
He had many interests including scuba diving, reading, sailing, motorcycling, woodworking, travelling, and animals. Dann will perhaps be most remembered for his attentive listening and conversation. He was devoted to his family—he loved them to the moon and back.
Dann is survived and deeply loved by his Wife of 46 years, Linda; and Sons, Justin (Katie), of Rochester, and Stephen (Tarra and daughter Madison), of St. Paul; as well as many other extended Family Members and Friends. He will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Paul and Betty (Crichton) Chapman.
Medical matters and miracles surrounded Dann these last years, challenging every aspect of his body and being. He valued his faith and his strong connection to Holy Trinity. And so it is there that his life as a redeemed child of God will be celebrated with a service of Christian burial.
The funeral liturgy will be held on Thursday, March 15, at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 14, at Wulff Funeral Home in St. Paul, and at Holy Trinity, one hour before the service. Following the service, Dann will be interred at Oakland Cemetery in St. Paul. After the Interment, please join the family for a memorial meal honoring Tikhon at Holy Trinity’s Archangel Michael Hall (across the street from the church).
Suggested memorial donations: Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, The Humane Society of Minnesota, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, or Union Gospel Mission.
Please keep St. Paul’s words in your heart as you reflect on Tihkon’s life, as you will find his finest qualities there reflected: Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, meditate on these things and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8
May Tikhon’s memory be eternal!
