Obituary
Merwyn E. Dan, age 89, of Boca Raton, FL, and formerly of Deerfield, IL, passed away on October 3, 2024. His son, Bruce, was by his side, guiding him for 15 months through a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Merwyn was the beloved husband and best friend of his “Honey,” the late Dolly Dan, for 67 years. He missed her deeply and felt her presence every day. A devoted and loving father, Merwyn is survived by his four children: Margie (Earl) Stone, Bruce (Wendy) Dan, Larry (Natasha) Dan, and Susan (Ronnie) Bernstein. He was a cherished grandfather and “Pata” to his eight grandchildren: Jacob (Adina) Dan, Nathan (Sara) Dan, Chava (Ben) Bashary, Nicole (Austin) Dyne, David Bernstein, Danny Bernstein, Pippa Dan, and Hannah Dan; and great-grandfather (“Grandpa GG”) to nine great-grandchildren: Yitzy, Meira, Ruvy, Rochie, Chananel, and Moshe Dan, and Shalom Ovadia, Batya, and Shalhevet Bashary. He is also survived by his sister, Olivia Smoller, and generations of nieces and nephews.
As a young man, Merwyn had a passion for playing the snare drum, teaching himself by drumming on his dresser. His dedication led him to perform in the award-winning marching and concert bands at Joliet Grade School and Joliet Township High School, an experience that became part of a special exhibit at the Joliet Area Historical Museum.
Merwyn and Dolly met as teenagers and fell in love. They began their married life in Hawaii, where he was stationed at Schofield Barracks. While in the Army, Merwyn distinguished himself as a sharpshooter and was also known for his exceptional skill in Morse code, taking down messages at 25 words per minute. His neat printing ensured his notes were always legible. After his military service, Merwyn and Dolly moved to Peoria where they continued to grow their family, later residing in Park Forest, Arlington Heights, and Deerfield before settling in Boca Raton as empty nesters.
Merwyn lost his father during his first semester of college, and he took on the responsibility of helping to raise his younger siblings while putting himself through school and raising his own young family. He earned a degree in accounting from Bradley University and worked as a CPA for Ernst & Ernst for 25 years, eventually becoming the youngest regional tax partner. Despite the demands of his career, Merwyn always made it home for dinner, helped with homework, read stories to his children, and attended their events. With Dolly by his side, he later transitioned into entrepreneurship, purchasing Briggs Medical Service Company and other businesses, enjoying a successful career that spanned the rest of his life.
Merwyn was a dedicated volunteer, serving in leadership roles for numerous organizations, including as President of Beth Tikvah Congregation, Little League coach, fundraiser, President of Ravinia Green Country Club, board member of two National Multiple Sclerosis Society chapters, and Treasurer of his condominium association. His willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need was a defining characteristic.
A man of incredible organization, Merwyn packed his life with love and adventure. To say he was an avid and passionate golfer is an understatement. He was especially proud of shooting a 75 and achieving two holes-in-one during his lifetime. His proudest golfing moment, however, was playing in the 4G Dan Invitational golf tournament alongside his son Bruce, his grandson, Jacob and his great-grandson, Yitzy—four generations of Dan men on the course together. He also loved poker, perfecting his skills so as not to lose any of his hard-earned money. A voracious reader, he stayed informed through daily newspapers and books. He was a devoted fan of the Bears, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks, and attended both Bears Super Bowl games. Before securing Bears season tickets, Merwyn would hold a radio out of his car window to catch the games. His day wasn’t complete without a cigar, a Crown Royal, and a victorious game of FreeCell.
Merwyn and Dolly loved to travel, creating lifelong memories with family and friends. When their children were young, Merwyn meticulously planned cross-country road trips, mapping out every detail. In later years, their travels expanded to cruises, golfing trips, and visits to Israel, China, Europe, Japan, Canada, Africa, and Hawaii. They were also fortunate enough to attend several Olympic Games. Merwyn's adventurous spirit was evident when, at 82 years old, he zip-lined in Alaska with his grandsons, David and Danny. He also ventured into the Boundary Waters on canoe portaging trips with Bruce and Larry, hiked in Glacier National Park with Larry, took a hot air balloon ride with Margie and braved roller coaster rides at Disney World with Susan.
Summing up the life of a true gentleman like Merwyn is no easy task. His patience, kindness, self-discipline, compassion, and commitment to living ethically and morally were the principles that guided his life. His legacy of love, integrity, and strength will continue in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
We find comfort in knowing that our Dad and Mom are together once again, holding hands.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org in Merwyn’s memory.
Services will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 12:00 noon CST at The Chapel, 8851 Skokie Blvd (at Niles Center Road), Skokie, IL. Merwyn’s service will be livestreamed at www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. For information: The Goldman Funeral Group (847) 478-1600.
Arrangements by Goldman Funeral Group.
www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com