DAN J ELBER

Dan J Elber, age 70, of Brunswick, joined our Lord in heaven Thursday, May 4, 2023, holding the hand of the love of his life and wife of 44 years, Renate (nee Rock).

Dan will be deeply missed by his loving wife; children, Kristin (Matthew) Erenpreiss, Joel (Rebecca) Elber, Allison (Luke) White; grandchildren (who affectionately knew him as Opa), Levi, James, Rosemarie, Loretta, Prescott, Greylynn, Maeve, and Lena; brothers, Doug (Denise) Elber and P.D. (Mary Jo) Elber; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dan was born on July 2, 1952, to the late Paul and Jean (nee Betz) Elber and graduated from North Olmsted High School. He continued his education and earned his undergraduate degree at Bowling Green State University and later his master’s degree at Cleveland State University.

Devoted to his family, his faith, and the Cleveland Browns, Dan was a simple and humble man. He asked for very few things in life. He wanted his season tickets to the Browns, one night a week to go bowling, and his motorcycle. Beyond that, he was content with the blessings God provided and did everything he could to make sure his wife and family were cared for and happy.

After God answered Dan’s prayers to become a father, Dan gave his life to the Lord and completed the RCIA classes to join the Catholic Church. As a member of the St. Colette Parish and Holy Name Society, Dan spread God’s light every Sunday as an usher. He could be found standing by the door in his suit, ready to greet you with his firm handshake and a smile.

There was no place Dan would rather be than surrounded by his children and grandchildren, recognizing each of them as a miracle and a gift. If anyone would tell him how lucky he was, he was quick to say that it wasn't an accident. It took hard work – and Dan loved to work.

As a middle school Art teacher and coach at Midview Local Schools, for 35 of his 38 years of teaching, he impacted countless students and athletes. He would frequently say, he was one of the few people in this world who truly loved his job. He was often the first to arrive in the school parking lot and the last to leave. Yet, he always managed to make it to all of the kids' sporting events and concerts, never missing a chance to remind his children that he was in the stands.

However, there were no stands he liked more than those two seats at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Anyone who knew Dan knew he was a Browns fan. Whether you met him while he was wearing one of his many Browns hats or his Browns tie, he sported the brown and orange everywhere he went. Even in his final days, his nurses found joy in his Browns socks and blanket.

Dan was a season ticket holder for nearly 40 years, cherishing his time going to games with his family, but especially his son. He took the rapid transit train downtown and made a point to arrive early. The walk up the ramp, to the front row of the top balcony, was always filled with anxious anticipation and optimism for a win. But, that was Dan; always an optimist. Even as he battled metastatic prostate cancer, Dan tackled every treatment and obstacle with grace and an eagerness to make the best of each situation.

Dan found joy on the open road, going for motorcycle rides throughout his life. He didn't care what kind of motorcycle he was riding, he just loved to ride through the back roads and rolling hills, often with his wife holding on behind.

As a lifelong bowler, Dan looked forward to his nights at the bowling alley. Unfolding the previous night’s score sheet from his wallet, he deemed himself a “bowler” or a “bum” the next morning during his weekly phone call with his mother. Regardless, he always had fun.

A proud member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, Dan stayed in touch with his brothers through the decades and still considered many of them to be his closest friends. It didn't take long for a room to circle around Dan as he shared stories from his days at Bowling Green. Nowhere were the stories more prominent than on his annual “Ship of Fools” outing to Put-In-Bay, where he and his PIKE brothers spent Memorial Day weekends boating. It was these men who gave Dan the nickname, Danno, which was his preferred name among his closest friends and family.

The shouts of “Let’s Go, Danno” were often heard at the ballpark, where Dan played softball for 13 years. He was often found behind home plate with his catcher’s gear and was known for his wooden bat. Because, like so much in life, his old bat was good enough. Many who played with him fondly remember his need for a pinch runner as soon as he got on base.

Dan had an amazing bass-singing voice. He shared his talent with the St. Luke choir for 11 years and as a member of S.T.V Bavaria, a German culture club, where he performed for many years as a dancer and in the choir.

Please join the family for visitation on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Carlson Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 1642 Pearl Rd (1/2 mile south of route 303), Brunswick. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 12:00 pm at St. Colette Catholic Church, 330 W 130th St., Brunswick.

The family would love for anyone who attends, either the wake or service, to please honor Dan by wearing your Cleveland Browns gear.

In accordance with Dan’s wishes, and true to his character, Dan donated his body to the Cleveland Clinic for research. To honor Dan's giving spirit, donations in Dan’s name will be graciously accepted to Hospice of Medina County, 5075 Windfall Rd, Medina, Ohio 44256, https://p2p.onecause.com/hwr/donate or to St Jude, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, https://www.stjude.org/donate/