Obituaries

Daniel Henry Bieniak (86) passed away peacefully with family by his side on December 23, 2024.  Dan was born March 25, 1938, in Joliet, IL, to Daniel I. and Dorothy (Boldt) Bieniak.  He was raised in Downers Grove and Lemont, IL.  By the age of 16, he was delivering saw dust to many horse barns.  It was during this time that he met the love of his life. He often spoke of seeing a 14 year old Norwegian in a leather jacket with skinny legs, Carol (Haug) Bieniak. They were married on October 9, 1960, and enjoyed 64 years of wedded bliss.  They lived in Geneva, IL, but spent the majority of their lives in St. Charles, IL, raising their two children Dean (Laura) Bieniak and Cindy (Bub) Lankford.

Dan was a US Naval veteran, where he first got to experience traveling the world, which became a life-long passion.  After leaving the Navy, he spent the majority of his work life with Illinois Bell (AT&T).  In retirement, he was able to expand his love of cars and driving by working for Bill Jacobs Land Rover.  Everyone knew him as “Driver Dan” and often requested him to deliver their vehicles.  This hobby allowed him to meet many of Chicagoland’s celebrities and sports stars.

In addition to traveling and cars, Dan enjoyed bowling, biking, cross country skiing, motorcycling, and he was an avid reader. He would read every page of the newspaper, and he loved a good book.  However, he will always be remembered for his storytelling.  Everyone Dan met became a friend, with his endearing ability to extoll the smallest details. With Dan flair (and maybe some embellishment), he made the daily train rides to Chicago much shorter, and parties and family gatherings more lively.  Dan told every story with a smile, often laughter, and a volume that was hard to ignore.  Dan’s friends became family.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his father- and mother-in-law Oswald and Helga Haug, sisters Dale (John) Murphy and Dianne (Richard) Andelbrandt, brother-in-law Allan (Elsie) Sorensen, and many beloved aunts and uncles.  He is survived by his children as well as his grandchildren, Seth (Amy) Lankford, Becky Lankford, Keely (Kevin) Bieniak-Fortier and Leah Bieniak.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law Elsie Sorensen, nieces Peggy Murphy, Barb Hofmann, and Carolyn (Jim) Stefely, and nephews Ken Sorensen and Dan (Angel) Tomas.  Dan also has several great nieces and nephews and their children.  Carolyn’s children Jon (Erin) Stefely (children Theo, Clare, and Drew), Kathleen (Sean) Hoeppner (child Phin), Lizzy (Jeff) O’Keefe (children Brooke and Brady), and Matt Stefely.  Dan Tomas’ daughter Jamie Tomas (child Liam).

There will be no services or funeral, with a planned cremation.  A celebration of life will be held at some future date.

In the meantime, while Dan’s party on this earth has ended, gatherings in heaven are forming for Dan to regale everyone with his stories, smile, and laughter.  Please join us in raising a toast to a man well-loved and sorely missed.

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