Daniel Canfield Strizek

Daniel Canfield Strizek, age 76, of Lakewood, Colorado, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, at St. Anthony's Hospital. Dan lived a life centered around a love for people, a love for the outdoors, and love for knowledge. He never shied away from sharing his countless experiences with those he met and those he ministered to. A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Dan was born on July 23, 1949, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the only son of Wesley and Delores (Domenget) Strizek. He grew up in nearby Van Dyne. While attending Horace Mann High School in North Fond du Lac, he excelled in track and field, setting several school records in the 100-yard dash and long jump. He received high marks for his clarinet playing and vocal solos; his musical education was only the beginning of a lifelong love of music.

Dan served in the United States Air Force for four years in the early 1970s at various posts around the eastern Mediterranean. He sustained a life-altering injury that in later life led to him being an active participant and supporter of adaptive athletics, including curling, mountain biking, dragon boat racing, sled hockey, and his all-time favorites, sit-skiing and golf.

Dan attended Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin, the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado, and the University of Creation Spirituality in Oakland, California, earning his Doctor of Ministry degree. As a minister in the United Methodist Church he helped spread a message of Original Blessing, preaching about the goodness and beauty of all creation.

In retirement Dan was an active traveler, visiting places near and far with his wife Mary. He was as happy experiencing the Mediterranean riches of Malta or a Grecian island as he was the ruins of Scotland or visiting public lands with their camper and dog Wish in tow.

Dan is survived by his wife Mary, his daughter Rebekah (Aaron) and son Andrei (Steven), two grandchildren Dayton and Abbey, and many cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dan's memory to Edgewood University, Ignite Adaptive Sports, or Adaptive Adventures.

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough." –Meister Eckhart