Daniel John Noel

Growing up as an Air Force dependent, Dan was dedicated to a life of service to others beginning at a young age with his involvement in Scouting across multiple assignment locations, earning the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 16. After graduating high school, he enrolled at Penn State University where, when not in the classroom pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Operations Management, he was an active volunteer firefighter in the local community until graduating in 1995. He then enlisted in the United States Army, serving 3.5 years as an Armor Crewman in Vilseck, Germany where he met and married his loving spouse, Gerti, who he affectionately called “Schatz”. After his enlistment ended, he was commissioned in the United States Air Force in 2001 as an Acquisitions Officer, where he served another 25 years across multiple assignments, earned numerous awards and decorations, and completed his Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University before retiring at the rank of Colonel.

He was a devoted family man who loved to travel and explore new places with his wife and kids as much as possible, always making new friends along the way. The military gave him plenty of opportunity and he seized each one, whether it was attending German festivals, bike riding around Estonia, exploring the coasts of California & Virginia, or glamping from Texas to New England. When not off adventuring, he could usually be found in the evenings around a firepit laughing with old friends and making new ones. His infectious joy and unwavering optimism inspired everyone who knew him, and left every life he touched that much better for it.

Dan is survived by his parents, William C. and Mary J. Noel; his loving wife, Gertrud M. Noel; children, Florian R. (Nancy) Noel, Dominik D. (Christy) Noel, Elizabeth M. Noel, and Sarah K. (Alexis) Noel; grandchildren, Isaias A. Moreta, Revan R. Laureano, Sulma L. Lopez, Emmett E. Noel, Liliana E. Noel, Leyna A. Ruwaldt, and Marzell D. Noel (on the way). He is also survived by brother, Russell E. (Brittany) Noel, and sisters, Carol S. (Jeremy) Mueller, and Theresa M. Kowalczyk (Walter).

Visitation for Dan will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Tobias Funeral Home in Beavercreek. Funeral service will be held the following morning at 8:30am, officiated by Father Laz, followed by interment at the Dayton VA National Cemetery.