Daniel “Dan” L. Affalter
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After a protracted battle with cancer, Daniel L. Affalter passed away on June 21, 2016 in Kansas City, Kansas at the age of 61. He leaves behind his wife, Diannia Affalter; his son, Daniel L. Affalter II, daughter-in-law Alex Affalter, and grandchild Daniel L. Affalter III; and his daughters, Sarah Affalter and Katelyn Affalter. Dan is survived by his wife, children and numerous extended and adopted family members.
Dan was born on September 10, 1954 in Kansas City, Missouri, to Marion and Martha Affalter, who predeceased him. He grew up with one sister, Nancy Smelser and one brother, David Affalter. Dan attended elementary school at Brookwood Elementary in Leawood and then completed the remainder of his elementary school in Lawrence attending Cordley and Pinkney Schools. His secondary education was at Central Junior High and he graduated from Lawrence High School in 1972.
Dan married Diannia on September 5, 1982 in Lawrence, KS. There the couple lived and raised their three children.
Dan Affalter began his career as a Police Officer with the Lawrence Police Department on March 21, 1976. Throughout his 33 years of service, Dan served the department as a supervisor in every division, a tribute to his versatility and dedication. Dan served as a member and commander of a specialty team; was promoted to Sergeant in December 1984; to Lieutenant in August, 1991; and to Captain in September, 2004. Upon his retirement from the Lawrence Police Department in December, 2008, he was presented with the Honorable Service Medal for his unquestioned commitment to the public, the City of Lawrence, and the Police Department.
Other recognitions were voluminous throughout his career. As a patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain, Dan received dozens of letters of commendation from citizens, co-workers, regional and local prosecutors, and from the Office of the Chief. He has received multiple letters of gratitude from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kansas City Field Office, Special Agent in Charge for his work with the Central States Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, also known as C.S.L.E.E.D.S., and has instructed in virtually every Basic Recruit Academy and in each of the 18 Citizens’ Academies.
Captain Affalter received the department’s Meritorious Service Award in December, 2006, for his years of service and for perhaps most notably, his leadership in the Investigations Division where he faithfully honored the pledge, “Not on my watch!” He is known for his work with many charitable organizations such as Boy Scout Troop 55, Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, Headquarters Counseling Center, The Shelter Board Inc., social service groups and for his three-plus decades of organization and instruction in Hunter Education’s Safety Programs. Captain Affalter has shown an unquestioned commitment to the public, the City of Lawrence, and the Lawrence Police Department for 33 years. His dedication, professionalism and years of faithful service is a benchmark for others to strive to achieve.
To many on the department, Captain Affalter was more than a co-worker, he was a friend, mentor, and leader. His legacy reminds us that good work and ethical and moral decision making does still stand for something.
Dan was a driven professional with a love of all outdoor activities and serving the Lawrence Community. When diagnosed with lung cancer in 2008, he remained dedicated to his work as a Captain in the Lawrence Police Department and in his will to fight his illness. He remained a brave, iron-willed man, even throughout his final months.
There will be a visitation service held at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church on Sunday June 26, from 5-8pm with a Celebration of Life to follow at Plymouth Congregational Church on Monday June 27 at 10am. Dan requested to be cremated. His ashes will be interred at the family plot in Oak Hill Cemetery. A reception will follow at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church; all are welcome.
The family would especially like to thank the doctors and staff from Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Select Specialty Hospital for their excellent work and loving care; the staff of Providence Medical Center for their constant, attentive treatment; and a special thank you to Dr. Matthew Stein and the staff at the Lawrence Memorial Oncology Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Douglas County Valor to honor first responders, Boy Scout Troop 55, or Hunter Education through the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #2 and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
so sorry to learn of Dans death. My condolences to Diana and all the family. I know how much he will be missed by all. It was a privilege to know him for all the years.
js
so sorry to hear about him. Jane,Brian Craig
so sorry to learn of Dans death.
sympathy to all of family
Jane Stevenson Craig and son Brian Craig
I am sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. I always looked up to Dan and respected him as a good friend. I was not real close to him, but you could never tell by the way he treated me. Our community lost one of the best. May God hold Diana and the rest of the family close, and comfort them.
You’re a great man, Captain Dan. It’s been an honor to know you and it was a pleasure to work with you for 23 years. I hope to see you again, old friend. Happy hunting, Dan-O.
Glen Hazelwood
Dan was a blessing to all. I deeply appreciated his friendship and love for his family. His leadership and dedication to his career and the Hunter Safety program will never be forgotten. Thank you Dan for all that you have done. Thank you Lord for allowing us to be a part of his world. Diannia, Danny, Katelyn, and family we are praying for your strength and comfort in this difficult time. Peace be with you.
Angie and Reese Nordhus
So sorry to hear about Dan. Sincere condolences to your family. He will be missed by so many.
My condolences to the family. He will not be forgotten and will be remembered always.
So very sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. My sincere condolences.
Condolence to the family. Dan was a fine person many great memories.
God Bless,
Betty Long
Our condolences go out to Dan’s Bride, Diannia Affalter, Dan, his bride, Alex and Danny III, daughters Sara and Katelyn Affalter, Dan’s brother David and sister Nancy — all his friends and colleagues. When I think of the last 46 years, Dan’el, I thank God for our friendship. We’re saddened little Danny won’t have his Grandpa ’round to tell ‘im like-it-was, Big Dan style; but, knowing knowing his Mom and Dad, I know he’ll grow up to be tall, straight, moral Man — just like you. “Fair Winds & Following Seas,” my friend. We’ll see you on that big hunt before too long . . . Dia duit, mo chara.
To Diannia and the Affalter family: I am so sad to learn of Dan’s passing. I remember him as honest, dedicated, and compassionate. He earned and kept people’s respect and trust with his hard work, personal intervention, and sense of humor. Lawrence has lost a great friend, and we will miss him. Hugs, prayers, and best positive energy to you.
Nancy and Family,
Sorry for the loss of your brother, Husband, father and grandfather.
Iris Mendell Miller
I didn’t know dan personality. But when i did see him he always had a great
since of humor. He was a wonderful human being. He would come into
Walgreens on 6th and kasold he always made me smile.
He will be greatly missed.
Sincerely Debbie Mills Shafer
Our thoughts are with the family at this time and cherish the memories we have. Our hearts go out to Diannia and her children at this time.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Rest easy, Dan
Capt Dan was such a great guy. I worked with him from 1998 until he retired. After his retirement I had the pleasure of seeing him at different events. He always greeted me his great smile and a hug. He always made it a point to speak with kody or ask about him. I had so much respect for Capt Dan, and will miss him
Diannia and family,
So sad to hear of Dan’s passing. My condolences to you all. I was so glad I got to see him at Vince O’Neill’s retirement party. We had such a good time reminiscing that night! I’m thankful we had that time together! May the good Lord give you comfort and peace in the days ahead. I will be unable to be there on Monday but I will be thinking of all of you. God’s peace to you all!
Mike Viebrock
Thank you for your dedicated service to our community. You will be missed. My sincerest condolences to Dan’s family and his LPD family.
We respected and admired Captain Affalter, and we thank him for his many years of service to Lawrence and Douglas County.
I was saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. It was my privilege to serve in the leadership of Troop 55 and teach Hunter’s Safety with Dan for many years. He was an amazing man with a great talent to connect with young people. He was able to lead with authority while being respectful and correct undesired behavior with a positive message and outcome. I admired Dan and his commitment to community service very much. My heart goes out to Diannia and family for I know Dan will be dearly missed. So glad he got to meet “Danny III” and the legacy of family and service he passes on. God bless!
I worked with Dan while I was a nurse in the Emergency Department at LMH years ago. I always appreciated his sense of humor as well as his sense of duty. My condolences to his family. I’m sure he will be missed. Peace
We are deeply saddened by the news of Dan passing. Diannia and the rest of the Affalter family are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. Sending you love, prayers, and hugs. Dan was an exceptional man and will be greatly missed.
Blessings, Lisa Werner and family.
So sorry to hear this.
My deepest condolences to the Affalter family. I had the pleasure of knowing such a caring and great giving man!!Dan you will be greatly missed by all. Rest in peace good man!!
My condolences to you for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather, Daniel. I can tell my reading his obituary that he was dearly loved and will be truly missed. But during this time in your life, always remember to rely on Jehovah, the God of all comfort. He provides the greatest comfort through His Word, the Bible, which gives us the hope of a resurrection. Jesus promised this at John 5:28. And if Jesus made this promise, we can be sure that he is both able and willing to fulfill it. Once again, I express my deepest sympathy.
I am the oldest daughter of one of Dan’s coworkers/friends, Richard Rose. I did not have the pleasure of getting to know Dan very well, but on the few occassions that my dad introduced me to him, he always made me feel as if he’d known me for years.
My sincere sympathies are sent out to him dear family and friends. He seemed to be the type of man that once he met a person, he left a lasting impression and I’m sure he will be greatly missed by all that had the opportunity to know him. Hold onto the great memories of times spent with Dan and smile when the sun peeks through the clouds, knowing he is in peace now, with no pain and sorrow. God bless the Affalter family.
My thoughts are with you today and have been many other times when I would see Danny at the doctor’s office. I can still picture the both of you on your wedding day. My middle daughter Missy has fond memories of you at LHS as well. Danny was always pleasant and kind when I saw him or spoke to him on the phone. Those things meant a great deal to me. Many years have passed since we first became acquainted and I know how proud you must be of him and your family.
Diannia, My condolences to you and your family. Dan was a fine man, and true leader/professional that touched many lives. He will be greatly missed by SO many.