Dan Lynn Risner

Dan Lynn Risner, age 69, of Bellefontaine, passed away on February 10, 2018 at his home. He was surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with dementia. Dan was good natured, made friends easily, and always had a big smile.He had a winsome personality and a contagious laugh.

Dan graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1966. He attained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Urbana University and a Master’s of Education from Wright State University.

He was preceded in death by his parents HK and Esther (Nye) Risner. He is survived by his wife of nearly 49 years Donna (Downing) Risner, six children, Dana (Deon) Weatherspoon of Troy, Dena (Todd) Hostetler of West Liberty, Hope (Bob) Batty of Versailles, Paul (Lindsay) Risner of Atlanta, GA, Beth (Shawn) Davie of Bellefontaine, John (Rachel) Risner of Mansfield, twenty-two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Linda Nixon of Lima, Judi (Jack) Risner Gardner of Bellefontaine, H. Kent (Shelley) Risner of Mansfield, Doug (Jon Anderson) Risner of Detroit, MI, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dan was a follower of Jesus and trusted in Christ as his Savior. He accepted God’s free gift of salvation and was saved by the grace of God. As the Apostle Paul writes, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

He was a world traveler. He enlisted in the US Army and served during the Viet Nam Conflict. He also spent three years as an educator in Germany, and traveled to Kenya to assist with providing fresh water to Africans. He loved to travel and had visited all 50 states.

Dan followed his father’s footsteps and worked for the railroad while completing his education. He retired as a special education teacher from Bellefontaine City Schools. He served as a Township Trustee for eight years and was an avid sports fan. He loved to cheer on his kids and grandkids in sports. He served as a coach, referee, and sports writer. He enjoyed golfing and bowling and was an avid runner, completing numerous marathons.

The funeral service will be held at 1PM on Tuesday, February 13th with visiting hours two hours prior at Bellefontaine Church of Christ in Christian Union (1669 County Rd. 11, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311).  Pastor Brad Angus will officiate.

The funeral arrangements are in the care of the staff of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Bellefontaine.

Obituary authored by the family.