Danny Lee Egler

Dan was born on December 23, 1947 in Noblesville, IN, son of the late Walter Lee and Henrietta (Dickey) Egler and brother to Dick (Cathy) Egler and Nancy (Gene) Nellis.

Dan led an extraordinary life. He grew up on the family farm in Indiana where he was known for his mischievous antics with brother, Dick. With ambition for political discourse, Dan headed off to college at Indiana University at Bloomington earning his bachelor’s degree in journalism. During his time at IU, Dan became a proud founding member of the Gamma Chi Chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, one of the nation’s oldest fraternities. He remained an active supporter of his beloved fraternity his entire life.

After graduation, Dan joined the staff of the Chicago Tribune as a reporter in the summer of 1969. Later that year, he was drafted into the United States Army and took leave from the Tribune to proudly serve his country. Dan spent the majority of his Army career stationed in Ft. Hood, TX until his honorable discharge in August 1971.

Upon discharge from the army, Dan returned to writing for the Chicago Tribune. In the Fall of 1977, he moved his family to Springfield, IL to cover politics for the Tribune and eventually worked his way up to Statehouse Bureau Chief. He spent nearly 14 years covering the highs and lows of Illinois state government. In 1992, Dan left journalism to join Governor Jim Edgar’s administration as Associate Press Secretary and speechwriter. After six years, he moved to the State of Illinois’ Capital Development Board where he was instrumental in the planning of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Despite taking advantage of early retirement from the government sector at age 55 in 2003, Dan never really retired. He formed his own consulting business and worked for numerous campaigns for several Illinois candidates. Most notably, Dan worked for Senator Bill Brady’s campaigns for governor including helping Senator Brady secure the Republican primary in 2010. In reality, Dan may have slowed down, but he never really retired. Illinois politics was both his passion and his life’s work.

Dan was the proud father of two daughters, Liz Egler of Springfield, IL and Melissa Egler of River Forest, IL. He was equally fond of his bonus daughter, Liz’s wife, Sandy Nickel, and doted on their two sons, Ben (age 15) and Josh (age 13).

Dan spent his adult life as an avid and loyal Indiana University sports fan. Having traveled as a student to IU’s last Rose Bowl appearance in 1968, Dan was thrilled that their football team was finally competitive again this season. He shared this love of IU sports with his fellow alum, daughter Melissa. He watched the Hoosiers win the Rose Bowl this past New Year’s Day on their road to (hopefully) winning their first national championship.

Additionally, Dan cheered for and was often disappointed by the Chicago Cubs, completed several crossword puzzles each day for literal decades, enjoyed his annual 4th of July trips to Wisconsin with great friends, was a voracious reader, loved a spirited game of euchre with his kids, and, in recent years, thoroughly enjoyed summering by Liz and Sandy’s pool. The man had a great tan.

A valued friend to many, a beloved father and grandfather - Dan will be truly missed. A Celebration of Dan’s life will be held in February with details to follow.

In remembrance of Danny, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to Land of Lincoln Honor Flight 1523 S. Willemore Springfield, IL 62704