Daniel John Grieser
February 2, 1959 ~ June 14, 2021
Obituary for DANIEL JOHN GRIESER, February 2, 1959 – June 14, 2021
Dan Grieser passed away unexpectedly in Golden, Colorado, on Monday, June 14, 2021, while enjoying an evening walk with his wife, Cindy, in the mountain neighborhood they both loved.
Dan was born in Mason City, Iowa, on February 2, 1959, and lived in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before moving with his family to Kansas City, where he graduated high school. He graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, obtaining a degree in chemical engineering and later earned three master’s degrees.
After a long career in the pharmaceutical industry, he left the corporate world to become a
teacher. During the 10 years he was with Johnson & Wales University in Denver, he taught
business, economics and eventually math, which prompted him to work toward a doctorate
degree from the University of Colorado Denver. With the recent closing of the Johnson & Wales
Denver Campus, Dan decided it was the perfect time to retire and more fully enjoy a multitude of
interests.
As a young boy, Dan discovered his love of the outdoors through the Boy Scouts. As an adult, he
was a champion of the Scouts for more than 40 years, beginning in Michigan, where he first
served as a troop leader and scout master. He continued his involvement with scouting as he
introduced his children to it, founded a troop and mentored countless youth. Dan’s helpful,
supporting spirit and dedication to volunteerism was prevalent in all aspects of his life; he was
always ready to lend a hand, a tool or whatever was asked of him with a smile. His
compassionate heart will forever be missed.
Dan’s love for life was apparent to all who knew him. His wide-ranging passions included
running -- first cross-country in school and in marathons as an adult -- skiing, hiking and
camping. He acquired his private pilot’s license but set flying aside after being a devoted father
became his top priority. Dan never missed a soccer, hockey, football, baseball, cross-country,
scouting or school event. His wife Cindy shared his love of the outdoors and together they hiked
and camped and enjoyed tackling home projects -- the more challenging the better.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Carl F. and Mary Ann Grieser. He is survived by his
wife, Cindy Findling, his children, Bradley (Caroline), Amy and Cameron Grieser, Lily and
Clary Findling, and his sister, Sue (Tim) Roush.
Care of arrangements has been entrusted to Stork-Bullock Family Mortuary of Lakewood,
Colorado. Dan’s ashes will be laid to rest by the family. Please visit the Tribute Wall created by the mortuary to
share with the family and friends your special memories of Dan. https://www.sbmortuary.com/obituary/Daniel-Grieser.
The memorial service will be held on July 8, 2021, 6:30 pm at Mount Vernon Canyon Club, Golden, Colorado,
downstairs in the Canyon Trail Room. If you would like to speak during this honoring of Dan’s life, please contact John Gritts johngritts@gmail.com
In honor of Dan’s memory, donations may be made to the Memorial Fund of the Denver Area Council/Boy Scouts of America. Click on “Donate Now” and select the Dan Grieser Memorial Fund https://give.communityfunded.com/o/denver-area-council-16/i/2021-dac-fundraising/s/memorial-fund
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Dan devoted much of his time to supporting Boy Scouts; particularly The Order of the Arrow in the Denver area. He was an inspiration to many youth and adults as well. We will miss him.
Dan was an amazing man. Devoted to his passions especialy to his wife Cindy. He loved his children and was always there for them. He was proud of them. I will miss him, his smile and willingness to do anything to help you out. He was taken to early yet lived a wonderful life. Love you Dan!!!!!
To the family, I am sorry for your loss.
Beth Fiorino
We are both greatly shocked & saddened by this news. Heartfelt condolences for Cindy & her girls as well as Dan's children.
HM & Jeff Haughey
Dan and I did a lot of trips in the Colorado mountains over the years. One of the ones I remember most was a hike of Uncompahgre Peak, a 14er in the San Juans.
It was right after 9/11 and we needed a break from the endless replays of the attacks. Dan and I drove down to the 2-wheel drive trailhead and set up camp.
Beautiful fall night. We had a good fire going and were passing around a bottle of scotch. The San Juan skies are usually quiet, but completely so that night with the ban on all flights.
The alarm went off way too early and we struggled out of the frosted tent. Proceeded to do the 7 miles and 4,000 vertical feet to the summit.
Gained the summit on a gorgeous blue-sky day and found a few inches of snow on top. Watched a fox, bounding from spot to spot, its nose in the snow, looking for mice at 14,264 feet. Recent events were all too fresh, but we enjoyed a respite.
I will miss the times with my good friend Dan.
Ken Baugh
Jim and I grieve with your family in the loss of Dan, a wonderful father who raised our amazing son-in-law. Cindy, Brad, Amy, Cameron, Lily, and Clary, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
John and I are still in disbelief and can't imagine that this good and dear man isn't here with all of us, but especially with Cindy, all the children, and all the family and friends. He epitomized the best of what we all should hope to be, and he will be an inspiration to all of us, always. We send out love and heartfelt sympathies. Page
Dan was a scoutmaster for Troop 278 in Superior while we lived in Colorado 2007-2009. My son Michael was a scout in the troop, and I joined as an assistant scoutmaster. Dan's passion for scouting, his patience, willingness to help and amazing organization were instrumental in the troop's success, and in my son's case his journey to Eagle. Michael completed his Eagle requirements and passed his Eagle Board review after our return to New Zealand.
I'm so sorry for your loss.