This is one of my favorite pictures from my childhood birthday party that Dan & David Mentor were at.  It was a special and crazy birthday party as you can see in the picture. I have a special longtime love for many of my friends that grew up with.  Dan, rest in peace my dear friend.

It was an honor to present in Denver yesterday as we gathered to give thanks for the life and witness of an amazing friend.   Dan was a gifted companion from Kindergarten thru seminary - and together, we shared more laughs, music, spontaneous road trips, and shenanigans than I could ever imagine!   While I never quite graduated to his love of "all things train," we shared a lot more in common than our faith, commitment to social justice, & our roots in Imlay City.   I will forever give thanks that I was able to share a formative portion of my journey with him!    May his smile, evident joy & endless spontaneity live on!

Debbie, very sad to hear of your brother's passing. We are thinking of you and your family at this very difficult time. 
Love from all your Cúram colleagues in Ireland xx

I was another of Dan’s seminary classmates.  I fondly remember him as a creative, fun-loving compassionate soul.  If I remember correctly our senior year he served on the CNLC, the commission for a new Lutheran color.  May God’s consoling peace surround family and friends as you commend him back to the Love from which he came.

Dear friends,
I am so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. The last time I saw some of you was at Bill's funeral. I so wish to be with you now as well.
The gift Dan Menter shared with me went back to his childhood. I was an intern at the Lutheran church in Imlay City in 1973-4.  So his wonderful approach to the world, laughter, openness, curiosity and interest in things of the spirit made working with him and his buddies  a source of joy and satisfaction.
That had a second chapter when, years later, he attended Michigan State University. I was campus pastor at University Lutheran Church at the time. Students who would affiliate with us at that early adult time in their lives are very special people. Dan was a special person even among special people. The qualities I experienced when he was a kid had developed and unfolded by then. He was a big part of the leadership of that group and helped ground our ministry in hospitality, good humor and general "coolness" that was contagious.  Campus ministry is very much about people. Dan was a person instrumental in making that work.

Dan…seminary apartment building fellow dweller…always smiling and laughing, self-taught dulcimer player. A true gift in my life as we shared much in conversation starting in San Antonio and through the years. Pam what a gift you were to Dan, especially these last six years. Words come up short in this time of grief. Heaven is a better place….

Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are with you and your family.  Such a mixed bag of emotions go with what this journey has been.  
Ray and Debby Price

I am so sorry to hear this. Dan and I went through seminary together and met the first week we were there for summer Greek. His friendly nature and warm smile were a really meaningful part of my seminary experience and he will always have a place in my heart and memories. May those who saw him often and loved him most be comforted in their loss and may the reminder that in death, Jesus has gone first and takes us with him be a source of comfort and hope.

I've known Daniel, David, and Debbie since childhood.  When they spent part of the summer at Grandma and Grandpa Reitzel's, I would ride my bike over and we would play games (Trouble)  and eat popsicles. I still have the game! You have all grown into fine friends. Love and miss you Dan. Love you all!

Dan and I met during our summer Greek class in Seminary.  I was immediately drawn to his kindness, sense of humor, and creativity.  I'll never forget the weekend we were all exhausted from studying and Dan organized a trip to Wheeling, WV, to watch the dog races.  I think we all ended up losing $5 or so, but we created such great memories.  On our first day back in class, Dan and some friends had written a song "Wheeling" to the tune of "Feelings" which was popular at the time.  He even worked in some Greek into the chorus.  I will forever hold near to my heart that quick smile and wit, and his gentle, gentle soul.  Pam, you have been so good to him.  May his memory be a blessing to you, and may light perpetual shine on him.

It was really sad to hear of Dan’s passing!  We grew up and graduated together in Imlay City, the year of “79 was Mighty Fine.”  The Mentor family were a strong pillar in our small community.  When I think of Dan, and remember most…. is that he was always kind, he had a good sense of humor and he posessed a genuine goodness about him.  RIP my friend! I pray God’s comfort for his wife and entire family.

It was a blessing have known, Dan for a lifetime.   The Mentor family were such an amazing part of growing up in a small town.  I'm so grateful to have had Dan, his wife and brother,  David at our 40th class reunion.  It was special when he and David came to Chicago for a visit to hangout.   God bless my friend and may you rest in piece.

Denver a few years ago. 
L-R: Sandra, Jordan, Dan, Pam, Keith, Dave, Alex

Passing along an old photo of Dan Menter with his dad (Bill Menter) and his brother Dave Menter

A get together is Paris, France. Years ago. Dan, you are missed already.

I am saddened to learn of Dan's passing. He was one of the nicest people in our class. As I looked through the pictures of Dan, when I seen the one, I believe was his senior picture, a lot of memories came flooding back. It seems so long ago. My prayers and condolences to his family. I know that he is sorely missed by all. God bless you all. R.I.P. my friend and classmate. Until we meet again.

So sorry to learn of Dan’s passing. He has now joined his father Bill and his grandfather Irvin who were both special people in my life. Due to life circumstances and distance, I didn’t get to know Dan closely but shared a kindred spirit with him. I first met Dan when our family visited the Menters in Agincourt when Dan and David were toddlers. Years later, they stopped briefly to see me when I was a midshipman at the Naval Academy.  When his Aunt Jane became quite ill in 2009, I flew to Denver to see her. During this visit, Dan asked me about his grandfather Irvin who passed away suddenly on the twin’s third birthday in 1964.  I enjoyed telling Dan what a special man Uncle Irvin was.  Seemed like we talked for hours about our family.  Finally, Dan and Dave and Debbie called me to talk to their father, my cousin Bill just hours before he passed in 2015. I was honored that they thought of me.  Bill and my father Glenn were close growing up and I kept in touch with Bill, my oldest cousin over the years.  Being a member of George and Kate Kohring’s family tree has given me so many wonderful memories and I am thrilled that Dan Menter is part of them.

OBITUARY

Daniel William Menter

January 3, 1961 – January 23, 2025

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