Daniel Charles Sadler, Jr., 69, loving son, husband, father, grandfather, friend and all-around amazing human being, ascended to his heavenly home on Nov. 18, 2023, in St. George, Utah.
Born Oct. 19, 1954, in Bangor, Maine, to Daniel Charles Sadler Sr. and Charlotte Sadler, Dan was a good apple that his father said fell far from the tree but was the apple of his mother’s eye. Dan grew up with his two brothers, Don and Dee, near Pittsburgh, PA, graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School, served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Frankfurt, Germany, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University and was an advertising sales executive for the Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Beaver County Times.
Dan was an active member of the LDS church and served in many callings, not least of all was his time as a Boy Scout Leader. Over the years he taught scores of young men outdoor skills, character development, and how to time a well-crafted pun. As an avid lover of nature, he spent as much time as possible outdoors, including as a very talented nature photographer, member of the Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group, geocacher, and hiker. Dan was also an event photographer for the Huntsman World Senior Games.
Dan loved all forms of music, from Amadeus to Zappa. He began singing in children’s choirs at the age of 8, played trombone for 12 years in school concert and jazz bands, brass choirs and orchestras, performed in a number of local choirs and plays and spent many years as a baritone and board member of the St. George Chamber Singers. His appreciation for listening to and performing music lives on in his children and grandchildren.
Yet, with all of Dan’s many talents and callings, his legacy will be one of humanity. His kindness, affable nature and willingness to serve will forever be his most endearing qualities. His sense of humor, quick wit and ability to make others laugh will be his most memorable. Dan is known to always be ready with a helping hand or a snappy quip — even to the eye-rolling and exasperated sighs of those who were closest to him and had to put up with his incessant puns (which we secretly loved and will miss immensely.) His love of The Three Stooges, Monty Python, Mel Brooks, and Mystery Science Theater 3000 will live on in his progeny and will be watched in his honor in perpetuity.
And most important of all (according to his children and for the sake of their existence), was his marriage to the love of his life and eternal companion Karen Whitehead, in Manti, Utah, on April 22, 1977. They went on to create three amazing, phenomenal, spectacular children who to this day continue to give them much grief, consternation and an expression synonymous with “posterior discomfort.” Despite their children, Dan and Karen lived a life full of loving companionship, celebrating the good times and weathering the difficult times as partners who were always there for one another. Their love for each other was their greatest gift and example to their children, grandchildren, and anyone who spent time in their home.
Dan is survived by his loving wife Karen; his boon companion of 12 years Ludo; father Daniel Sadler Sr.; brother Dee Sadler; children Seth and Shanalee Sadler of Eagle Mountain Utah, Meg Barber of Freedom Pennsylvania, and Brittany and Josh Atkins of Bridgewater Pennsylvania; grandchildren Kyleigh, Grant, Gabby, Evan, Marley and Dylan; and many family and friends who loved him dearly.
Dan is preceded in death by his mother Charlotte Sadler and brother Don Sadler.
Condolences may be shared on the McMillan Mortuary website.