Daniel Laren

Daniel Laren of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on March 29, 2026. Dan faced some surprising and serious health challenges the last few weeks of his life, and after a brief hospitalization was able to “go out on his own terms.” Dan was surrounded by family as he went to be with Jesus.

Dan was a proud Polish American. The son of Leon and Marie Lewandowski, Dan was raised with his sister Dolores in a strong Polish community in Toledo, Ohio. His love of fresh kielbasa and horseradish, among other traditions, has been passed down to his wife, children and grandchildren.

Dan earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo and spent his career as an engineer and manager in plastics manufacturing. He was devoted to his work and was quite accomplished and respected in his field. His career not only provided for his family, but also brought opportunity for travel and relocations across the Midwest.

As an engineer, Dan was very logical and process-oriented. However, he also had a strong creative and artistic side. He was a woodworker and produced beautiful pieces of furniture for his home and for his children. He also was a stained glass artist, creating meaningful objets d’art that he gave to friends and family as tokens of his love. His glass art is scattered throughout the homes of people he loved. Dan was also an accomplished bread and pastry maker. A Christmas tradition for the family was Dan’s sticky buns, a hand crafted, small batch run of his special cinnamon rolls. Dan was nicknamed “Old Sticky Buns” in the 1980’s, a name that stayed with him to this day.

Throughout his life, Dan prioritized his health by consistently exercising and challenging himself with athletic events. He would do fun runs and walks throughout his adulthood, and he completed the MS 150, a 150 mile, 2 day bicycle ride, multiple times. He went to exercise class religiously, even at 90 years of age. Though he was physically fit, Dan did enjoy a good meal. Towards the end of a meal he would always say he didn’t quite come out even, and he’d take another small portion of his favorite part of the meal. He loved a sweet treat as well, and though he would not turn down a fruitcake, his favorites were cookies and old fashioned vanilla ice cream.

After retirement, Dan and Jann became Winter Texans and enjoyed spending the cold season in Port Aransas, Texas. Port A quickly became their home away from home, and Dan cherished his time there not just because of the location, but because of the friendships he made there. Dan became vice president of the Four O’Clock Club, a gathering of friends who met daily to jump in the pool, spend time together, listen to music, and enjoy a cocktail or two. These friends and this time were very precious to Dan.

Dan accomplished many great things in his life, but he was most proud of his 65 year marriage to his beloved “first wife” Janette, née Merritt. Dan and Jann met in Ohio when he was working and Jann was a co-ed at Ohio State. They were quickly married and began their long life together. Dan and Jann had five children of their own: Daniel Laren (Sarah), Janne Pedemonti

(Nick), Christine Setley (Brian), Jeanne Burnicle (David), and Tobi Fuller (Brett). Dan and Jann have ten grandchildren whom they treasure.

Dan had a giving spirit. Throughout his life with Jann and their children, there were always unconventional additions to the family. This included fostering newborns and hosting three international students. As a couple they were lifelong sponsors of many organizations, trying to make the world a better place. The closest of these to Dan’s heart was Down Syndrome Innovations. In lieu of flowers, any memorial donations in Dan’s name can be made to this organization at https://www.downsyndromeinnovations.org/give-now, choosing ”In Memory Of” under the pull down tab “Reason for Giving.”

Services for Dan are on Saturday, April 11 at the Penwell Gabel Funeral Home located at 14275 S. Blackbob Road in Olathe, Kansas. Visitation is from 1:00-2:00 with a short service beginning at 2:00 p.m.