Daniel David Morgen, 95, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away on Jan. 21, 2015. Funeral services were held on Jan. 22 in Wichita, Kan.
Dan was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on Oct. 5, 1919, to Ida (Bass) and Louis Morgenstein. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}He grew up in Cleveland, leaving to attend Ohio University in Akron, Ohio, on a track scholarship. After graduating college he entered the Army in 1942. He was sent to the Pacific theater and was later appointed to attend Officer Candidate School. After completing OCS, Dan was assigned to the European theater in the transportation division. He received the Croix de Guerre medal. Dan was released from active duty in New York City in January 1946 and served as a reservist, attaining the rank of major.
While in New York City in March 1946 he met the love of his life, Florence Fleitman. He proposed to Florence in Colorado Springs, Colo., on a purported cross country trip during the summer of 1947. They were married in Wichita at the Alison Hotel on Oct. 19, 1947, and together they raised three children.
Dan was a petroleum land man in the oil and gas industry. He remained active as a land man until his passing. He was a member of the Independent Oil and Gas Association. Dan believed in giving back to his community. He was an active member of Temple Emanu-El, serving in many positions, including treasurer and president. He was president of Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood. He was on the Temple Emanu-El cemetery committee for 50 years and headed their Endowment Fund. He also taught religious school for 19 years. Within the greater community he was president of National Conference of Christians and Jews and the Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation.
Dan was predeceased by his wife, Florence, after almost 67 years of marriage; his parents, Ida Bass Morgenstein and Louis Morgenstein; and his brothers Charles and Irwin (Elise) Morgenstein. He is survived by his sons, John Morgen of Wichita, and Robert (Becky) Morgen of Walla Walla, Wash., and his daughter, Dana Morgen (Doug Fay) of Overland Park, Kan. He was blessed with eight grandchildren, Aly (Chris) Wren, Philip (Yael) Fay, Ilana Fay, Nathan Fay, Sarah Morgen and Jake Morgen. Dan was also fortunate to have Dr. Bloom and the Saint Francis staff on 7th SE floor on his team of caregivers.
Dan was a man of few words, but when he spoke he had something important to say. He will be remembered for his integrity and missed for his dry sense of humor and his willingness to help his community.
Donations may be made to Temple Emanu-El Cemetery Fund, 7011 E. Central, Wichita, KS 67206; BIAV, 9900 Antioch, Overland Park, KS 66212 or a charity of ones choice.{/mprestriction}