Lt. Colonel Dan Gilbert Switzer, Ret.

Dan Gilbert Switzer passed away peacefully the morning of December 1, 2025. He was born December 11, 1932, at home to Lela and Gilbert Switzer. He grew up in Holmesville, Nebraska with two younger sisters, Marilyn and Roberta. He graduated from Holmesville High School where he was one of 3 boys in a class of 13. Dan went on to the University of Nebraska while also enlisting in the NROTC Marine option as a midshipman in 1950. Dan earned a Business Administration degree and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in June of 1954.

Dan met his wife, Donna, on a blind date there too and had to keep the October ‘53 wedding a secret from the Marine Corps. They were married for 51 years. Dan and Donna had four children: Deborah, Doug, David and Deon. He was always quite proud of all their names beginning with the same letter, as well as the “bookend” girls and his boys in between. He had quite the affection for animals. He received Tony the pony, a Shetland, for his fourth birthday. Dan showed horses throughout his youth. He always had cats and dogs as pets. Carrying the letter “D” name tradition, his most recent pets were Didley and Dudley, the dogs and Dum Dum and Doodle, the kitties.

Being a traveling salesman, his career in the building material field landed the family in Chicago, Louisville, Menomonee Falls, Kingsport and since the year 1968, Indianapolis. He was successful at his job and provided well for his family. Dan retired in 1996.

Throughout his working and retirement years, Lieutenant Colonel Dan was always involved with the Marine Corps/military clubs and organizations. He had a deep love for our country and serving in any capacity was his passion. He formed many strong and life-long bonds through these associations. His devotion and service were appreciated and he was honored with many awards, most notably was The Sagamore of the Wabash and the Kentucky Colonel.

He was an active member of Lawrence United Methodist Church since 1968. He served the church in many capacities. One of his favorite roles was being a founding member of the Methomates, then later the Nealites.

Dan loved sports dearly. He loved playing baseball and basketball as a teenager…and had great skill at both. And he loved watching most any sporting event. He made many a trip to Lincoln to cheer on the Huskers. When the Colts moved to Indianapolis, he had season tickets. Always with a beer in hand, he was happy watching them on television too.

After Donna died in 2004, he married Ann Rose in June of 2007. They enjoyed their time together until her death in 2024.

Left behind to cherish so many wonderful memories are his children: Doug, David and Deon, grandchildren: Jesse Switzer, Jack Switzer, Mia Pang, Brooke Deem, Kiel Hooten, Erin Taylor, Madelyn Mallett, Peter Mallett and Christopher Mallett and great-grandchildren: Elle and Theo Switzer, MacKenzie Deem, Brynn and Rowen Hooten, Maeve and Owen Taylor.

There will be a celebration of life to honor Dan on April 11th, 11:00 am at the Gothic Chapel, Crown Hill Cemetery. His remains will be interned at the Field of Valor at 12:15 pm with a full military service followed by a lunch gathering back at the Chapel.