Lt. Col. Daniel Jay Landis

Daniel Jay Landis (1946-2026)

Daniel Jay Landis became an eternal angel at age 80, on April 16, 2026. Dan will forever be remembered as a deeply devoted and loving Husband, Father, Father-in-law, Uncle, Grandfather, Great Uncle, and Friend.

Dan “DD” Landis was born on March 8, 1946 in Waukegan, Illinois to Eugene and Mary Landis. Dan is survived by his three ever-loving children, Matthew (Heidi), Mark (Stephanie), and Emily (Jeremy), grandchildren Jett, Sully, Sunny, and Luna, sister-in-law Caryl (Brian), nephew Joseph (Rebecca), and great nieces Anna and Amelia, along with many special friends. Dan is preceded in death by his wife Mary and parents.

Dan attended Monroe High School and continued on to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he studied chemical engineering and joined the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Dan was also a chemistry tutor at UW, which is how he met the love of his life—his Mary. Dan graduated from UW-Madison and was commissioned as an Air Force Officer the same day. Mary and Dan moved to San Antonio, Texas, where Dan continued his Air Force training and Mary her nursing education. Mary and Dan were married at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio on May 1, 1970. They then moved to Omaha, Nebraska where Mary completed her nursing degree and Dan continued his journey as an Air Force Officer. After 9 wonderful years of adventures and travel, Mary and Dan began their family, settled in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, and raised their three children. Before Mary’s passing in 2024, Dan and Mary cherished nearly 54 years of marriage.

Dan had exceptional friends and always looked forward to spending time with his people. Whether it was the neighborhood block party, Smiley and Jo’s annual pig roast, or epic bike rides with his buddies (the “Going-to-the-Sun Road” in Glacier National Park was a favorite adventure story), Dan was always the life of the party. He had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor, the best one liners and was a very talented harmonica player.

Dan will be remembered as an incredible father to his three children and the best Grampy to his four grandchildren. He was also a great leader and inspired excellence in his family, friends, co-workers, and as an Air Force Officer. Dan retired as Lieutenant Colonel from the Air Force after 32 years of service.

Dan’s family will hold a Celebration of Life for Dan and Mary with military honors on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Bryant’s on the Round in Okauchee from 1-4pm. Dan adored his pets like his family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local animal shelter, humane society, or a charity near and dear to your heart.

May you Rest in Peace, Dad, Daddy, Pops, Popsie, Danny, DD, Grampy. You are officially “off duty.” Your eternal love will forever be in the hearts of your three children and all your family and friends. We love you and will miss you more than words can ever describe.