He was born in Franklin, IN, November 10, 1950 the son of Donald and Arline (Mellott) Heupel. He graduated from Indiana University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. His parents preceded him in death.
Dana retired in 2014 from the University of Illinois at Springfield where he served as the executive editor of Illinois Issues. Prior to joining Illinois Issues, Dana served 30 years in the newspaper business as a reporter, city editor and statehouse editor with Copley News Service and later Gatehouse Media, which included the State Journal Register in Springfield. His career also included working at The Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne, Indiana, The Fresno Bee in California, TheIndianapolis Star, and The Kendallville News Sun.
Many of his colleagues and friends remember Dana as “passionate journalist”, a “leader” a “planner”, “a great teacher of journalism and writing” always offering these lessons with kindness and patience. He was a true gentleman with a passion for his craft. Dana cared about the issues in Illinois government. He wrote in his send off column titled ‘A Retiring Newsman Looks Back” (http://www.nprillinois.org/post/editors-note-retiring-newsman-takes-look-back) “It’s not that I don’t understand how government works; it’s more that I refuse to give up on the notion of how it should operate…. I leave with the belief I spent the last few years of my career doing something important”. This passion carried through his retirement. He will be greatly missed.
Dana won numerous awards during his career including the Illinois Associated Press’ Member of the Year in 1999.
In his free time, Dana found great joy in music and was an accomplished guitar player. He loved the outdoors and especially fly fishing and golfing. He was a member of the Press Club at Lake Springfield. He served on the Woodlake Homeowners Association for several years, many of them as president.
After Dana came to Springfield, he met and then married Kathie Wozniak, March 30, 2001 and she survives. Also surviving are his son, Jon (wife Katie) Heupel of Chicago, 2 step-sons; Matthew (wife Dr. Janelle) Wozniak of Ft. Collins, CO and Scott (wife Charlotte) Wozniak of Medford, OR, 2 grandsons; August and Andrew Heupel, 3, step-grandsons: Nate, Alex and Coltrane Wozniak, his brother, Richard (wife Laura) Heupel of Bloomington, IN, 2 sisters; Carol (husband Roger) Rhodes of Bloomington, IN and Janene (husband Rick) Trobridge of Wabash, IN 4 nieces and several cousins.
Honoring his wishes, Cremation Rites will be accorded by the Bisch Crematory.
Family and friends are welcome to a memorial gathering at Bisch Funeral Home West 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. Springfield, IL from 11:00 am Wednesday, January 2, 2019 until the time of a memorial service at 1:00 pm Wednesday. Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Radtke will officiate. Private inurnment will be at a later date in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the Friend in Deed c/o the State Journal Register or the Central Illinois Food Bank.
Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhome.com where tributes, memories and condolences may be left for the family.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West 217-544-5424
