On June 29, 2022, Daniel Martin Dressel passed away similarly to how he lived – surrounded by his adoring and cherished family. He was 79 years old. Born and raised in the south side Chicago neighborhood of Beverly, Dan was son to Herman and Gertrude and brother to Allan and Susie. 

Devoted husband to Kate and loving father to Katy and Michael, Dan was also known as Papa to his five loving grandchildren: Jane, Cogan, Margaret, Hannah, and Connor. He was Uncle Dan to Laure, Julie, Joy, Kara, David, and Matthew, as well as Colleen, Kerry, Erin, Tracy, and David. His family extended by marriage to siblings – John, Mary Ellen, Jane, Terry, and Liz – and supportive father-in-law to Sarah and John. His most devoted companion beyond his family was Max, his loyal Schnauzer. 

Dan was a proud son of a German-immigrant baker who established a local favorite – Dressel Bakery – known to many for their artistic creations. Dan would work there between his studies, first at Christ the King Grade School and then to St. Rita High School. Dan went on to graduate from Marquette University and then to Loyola University Chicago where he earned his MBA. He proudly served his country in the Army Reserves for six years while embarking on a successful career in business, spending much of his time as a corporate executive in Human Resources at Kraft Foods and Baxter. He served on several boards and supported numerous philanthropic efforts though you would never hear him boast of his successes. 

Dan was a humble man who led an extraordinary life. A man of imposing stature with a gracious demeanor and quiet confidence, Dan supported many loved ones, and strangers alike, without a single ounce of expectation. His generosity was boundless, particularly in giving counsel, helping so many navigate the choppy waters of life. He always, to the end, guided people through daunting challenges with dignity and grace. Dan always found a way forward for others – without judgment, without assumption. He was the embodiment of what the Jesuits refer to as Servant Leadership, committed to the needs of others before his own. 

Dan led a life of significance, selflessness, and service. He was a man of unflinching faith driven by purpose. He served as a Eucharistic Minister and co-led a men’s group for his church where he organized countless charitable fundraisers. Dan’s work carried over to help communities across Chicagoland – from Waukegan to the South Side. 

Nothing brought Dan more joy than spending time with his loved ones – swimming in the pool with his grandkids, drinking gin martinis at cocktail hour with his wife and family, and supporting his kids and grandkids in any sport they played. A lifelong Chicago sports fan, Dan avidly followed the White Sox, Bears, and the Marquette Golden Eagles, bestowing his fan devotion upon at least some of his grandchildren. 

He loved to be outdoors – whether fly fishing for salmon in Alaska, playing golf with his friends, shooting hoops with friends and family at his parents’ summer home in Powers Lake, WI – Dan was always active and on the move. His love of music, especially Motown, made him a constant on the dance floor. He was a voracious reader who found more meaning in life through the numerous books he read, then shared. 

Dan touched so many with the strength of his character and the depth of his caring. He will be dearly missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved him. He leaves this world after making it more beautiful and bountiful for so many who were fortunate to know him. 

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at 10 am followed by Funeral Mass at 11 am, both at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 950 W. Everett Road, Lake Forest, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a memorial donation to Big Shoulders Fund. More information can be found at Wenban Funeral Home, (847) 234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com. 

“The best portion of a good man’s life is his little nameless unremembered acts of kindness and of love.”  
- William Wordsworth