MUNCIE, IN - Daniel “Dan” Kent Fortriede passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the age of 70, surrounded by his entire family. He was born on October 4, 1954, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, son of the late Waldemar Louis Fortriede and Alice Evelyn (Bandtel). He married Jeanne Marlene Hilgemann on July 10, 1976, and settled in Delaware County. They enjoyed 48 wonderful years of marriage.

Dan graduated from Elmhurst High School of Fort Wayne Indiana, in 1973, where he played cello in the Elmhurst Orchestra, Jazz Band, and the Elmhurst String Quartet. He also performed in the All-State Orchestra. Dan continued his appreciation of music throughout his life, listening to a variety of music from Beethoven to John Denver to Meatloaf. He graduated from Ball State University in 1977, with a double major in Computer Science and Mathematics. Following graduation, he worked at and then retired from Ball State, as the Assistant Director Emeritus of Unified Communication Networking on February 29, 2016, after working for nearly 40 years. During this time, he architected the campus computer network and created one of the first online testing programs, which revolutionized testing on campus. Dan enjoyed hiking and camping whenever possible. His passion for woodworking turned into designing and helping his family build their beautiful log family homestead in 1998. He was a wonderful teacher and enjoyed sharing his passions and gifts with his family and friends. Spending time with his wife, children, and their families always brought joy to his life.

Dan is survived by his wife, Jeanne (Hilgemann); four sons, Bryan (Lesley), Jason (Jill), Nathan (Alyssa), and Joshua (Chastina); 12 grandchildren, Miriam, Cheyanne, Madolynn, Hannah, Beth, Elle, Katie, Marcus, Jaida, Kaylee, Laidan, and Parker, and two brothers, Steven and David. In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his grandson, Alexander Nicholas Fortriede.

Visitation will be Friday, October 11, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at CommUNITY Church, 9701 N. 450 W. Road, Muncie, Indiana 47304. A service honoring Dan’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jeff Rybolt officiating. Burial will take place at Union Cemetery, Eaton, Indiana. Family requests that instead of sending flowers, memorial contributions be made to the church or to ARF (Animal Rescue Fund), 1209 W. Riggin Road, Muncie, Indiana 47303 (765) 282-2733). However, if sending flowers, they may be delivered to the church on Friday between 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. For additional information and to view Dan’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.

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