1931 - 2021
Dan passed away peacefully on April 13, 2021, on what would have been his 64th wedding anniversary with his love, Judy, who passed away a month earlier. Daniel Ruel Weisman was born May 9, 1931, in Springfield, Illinois, to Esther and Jack Weisman. Growing up on 4th Street, “Danny” enjoyed every minute of daylight outdoors with friends Dale, Bobby, Dick, Johnny, Byron, and others, playing baseball, football, and endless shenanigans that will go unmentioned. Weekends were spent fishing and playing tennis with his father and quiet times with his mother, a gifted painter.
Nicknamed, “Namsu”, Dan was a proud graduate of Springfield High School and Milliken University. Following college, he enlisted and served in the US Army and returned to Springfield in 1955 to begin his professional life in the insurance industry. It was during this time that he met Julia “Judy” Gard of Fancy Prairie. They were married on April 13, 1957, and began their life together, raising two daughters, becoming active in the community and Temple Israel, and nurturing friendships that lasted their entire lives. Dan was a consummate gentleman known for his easy laugh, abundant kindness, quick wit, and willingness to help others. He loved his family and treasured his friendships. He was a talented photographer and had a knack for playing any musical instrument. Until their final days together, Dan played the piano every afternoon for Judy, who responded with applause and cheers. Friendships were nurtured through hours of playing bridge, backgammon, tennis, golf, and on fly-fishing adventures.
Dan was highly respected in his roles as Senior Vice President at Horace Mann for Life Insurance Operations, Springfield, IL; Senior Management at Connecticut Mutual, Springfield, IL; and, Vice President of Marketing at Connecticut Mutual, Hartford, CT.
A dedicated community leader, Dan’s earliest volunteering was with the Big Brothers program which led to other youth and job mentoring opportunities, always bringing out the best in others. He later served on the Springfield Board of Education and enjoyed leadership positions in the Springfield Rotary Club and on the Security Bank Board of Directors. A highlight for Dan was serving as a volunteer at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Dan is survived by his dear sister, Eileen Paris of Springfield; daughters Lorie “Leah”, son-in-law, Eric Brunner, and precious granddaughter, Anna, of Philadelphia, PA; daughter Sally Weisman of Hartford, CT; brothers and sisters-in-laws Jim, Betty, Elynor, Chub, Elaine, and Chuck; cherished nieces and nephews; and adored loved ones, Sarah, Michelle, and Adam (Lisa) White of Connecticut. The family is eternally grateful for Dan and Judy’s caregivers, whose compassion, kindness, and humor made their final years at home wonderful.
Services are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, Springfield. A private burial service will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery, co-officiated by Rabbi Barry Marks and Rabbi Arthur Stern. Memorials may be directed to support the Velasco Tennis Center, Springfield Parks Foundation at http://springfieldparksfoundation.org. Please visit www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com to offer condolences.
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Velasco Tennis Center, Springfield Parks Foundation . , Springfield, Illinois
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