Daniel P. Mihalko

Daniel Peter Mihalko, 77, was born on November 27, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio and passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025. He is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Eleanor (nee Lenczewski) Mihalko, and his brother-in-law Chester Paszt. Daniel is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Yolanda (nee Escamilla), and his devoted sisters, Debbie Paszt (Chester, deceased), Darlene Robinson (Ron), and Denise Johnson (Bill); and his cherished nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, including Jennifer Sprafka (Brian), Angela Paszt, Jessica Harrill, Peter Robinson (Michelle), Abby Prentis (Mitch), Kate Dugan (Zack), Will Johnson (Andi Smith), Laura Blair (Laurence), and step-son Shawn Williams.

Daniel was a devoted son, husband, brother, uncle, and friend. He was known for his kindness, loyalty, and protective nature. After graduating from Wickliffe High School, he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Bowling Green State University and his master’s degree from Purdue University. He completed his doctorate in mathematical statistics from Purdue University and immediately joined the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Daniel left the University of Nebraska in 1984 to accept an appointment as a statistician with the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks Air Force Base in Texas. It was in this position that Daniel developed a strong and long-standing professional affiliation with Dr. Joel Michalek. At this time the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine was beginning to conduct research into health effects associated with the use of the Agent Orange defoliant in the Vietnam war. Daniel and Joel worked together on many statistical issues involved with this health study and had, subsequently, jointly published eight papers related to this investigation.

In 1986, Daniel accepted an associate professorship in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Western Michigan University. A major mission of the graduate statistics programs at the University was to prepare students for employment in the medical-pharmaceutical industry. Over the years Daniel made major contributions to this mission by teaching graduate courses in time-series, regression analyses, design of experiments, and statistical computing. He directed two doctoral dissertations in statistics. Daniel, working with WMU 's College of Business, developed a statistics service course for business majors. He gained recognition as an expert statistical consultant in the banking world with the use of logistical regression models in predicting success in granting bank loans. He developed graduate seminars in two newly-emerging areas: data-mining and micro-array analysis. He co-authored two papers accepted for publication.

Daniel became the first chair of the newly created Department of Statistics at WMU on July 1, 2001. He was willing to step forward and act as the chair-designate during the one to two-year period prior to the creation of the new department. During this transition time, he performed admirably as he tip-toed around and through the hurdles to eventual department creation. With his able leadership the department gained the visibility and stature of a full-fledged department with dynamic and growing applied statistics masters and doctoral programs. He retired in 2007, moved to Boerne, TX, and continued his career as an Analyst for USAA in San Antonio, TX until his second retirement in 2017.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Daniel had a rich and varied personal life. He was an Eagle Scout, a life-long roller-coaster enthusiast, and a Cedar Point season pass holder.

He cherished the outdoors and spent many years canoeing and hiking in Quetico Park, Ontario, Canada, with close friends. A passionate gardener, runner, and craft beer aficionado, Daniel enjoyed collecting craft beer signs and sharing unique brews from his Keezer with David and Rand on Friday evenings. He was also a lover of books, always expanding his extensive library and learning new things, whether through furniture building, leaded-glass crafting or thrifting. Daniel’s beloved dog, Belize, was a constant companion throughout his life.

Daniel was known to be a good neighbor, always offering a kind word or a helping hand. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him for his warmth, generosity, and insatiable curiosity.

We appreciate the staff of Eliza at Chagrin Falls for providing a caring environment during Dan’s stay. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the staff at Crossroads Hospice for the compassionate care to Dan in his final days. Your kindness, dedication, and support were a true blessing and brought comfort to us during this challenging time. Thank you.

Friends may call at Gattozzi & Son Funeral Home, located at 12524 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland, Ohio, for a celebration of life on Saturday, April 5, visitation 11 am and memorial service at 12:30. A private family interment will follow at a later date.

The family requests that those who wish to remember Dan in a special way may make gifts in his memory to GRIN – Golden Retrievers in Need Rescue Service, Inc. at www.grinrescue.org/support/donate-to-grin, in memory of Dan and his deep love for dogs.