Daniel B. LeMonnier

December 3, 1955 - October 10, 2012

Daniel B. LeMonnier, 56, of Munster, IN, used to quote ‚Äúrumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated.‚Äù Regretfully, he passed away peacefully without exaggeration on Wednesday, October 10, 2012. He is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife and joy of his life, Shari (nee Smith) , the children he adored and was so proud of, Flynn and Claire; beloved brothers Michael (Maria), William (Barbara), Martin (Karen), father and mother-in-law that he loved as his own, Darlene and Jerry Smith, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews that gave him so much laughter. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Rita LeMonnier and sister, Mary Jean.Friends may visit with the family on Friday, October 19, 2012 from 4:00 -8:00 PM at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, Indiana and on Saturday at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 8955 Columbia Ave. Munster, Indiana from 9:00AM-12PM with a memorial service and interment of the ashes at 12:00 noon.Dan, (singer, actor, humorist, storyteller and writer) composed and released the CD ‚ÄúBEGIN AGAIN‚Äù that has brought joy through its upbeat banjo rhythms and inspiring messages. He has performed nationally and internationally, delighting audiences of all ages at the Smithsonian Institute, Shanghai Childrens‚Äô Palace, The Gambia West Africa, at the 53rd Presidential Inaugural Celebration, and at thousands of regional festivals, community art centers, schools and churches throughout the country. He was the recipient of the Frank L. Basile Emerging Stories Fellowship for his performance based on Clarence Jordan (Spiritual Father of Habitat for Humanity), and was a finalist for the Brimstone Award in applied storytelling for his program on hospice. Dan held a BFA from Marquette and an MFA from the Goodman School of Drama, and graduated with a Masters in Biblical Storytelling from Christian Theological Seminary. From 1986-2004, he was well known in the Chicago area as ‚ÄúBenny the Bull,‚Äù mascot for the Chicago Bulls. Dan was currently employed as the Youth Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Munster . His faith was unfaltering even to the end of his struggle with cancer and was an inspiration through this journey. He has touched the lives of many in his life and work, and would like us to remember, ‚ÄúGod is Good, All the time.‚ÄùEducation was very important to Dan, who was working on his Doctorate degree when he passed. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Flynn and Claire‚Äôs college education fund would be greatly appreciated.

What to Say?See Condolences

---worked with Dan in summer stock in the Black Hills of South Dakota, two summers in a row. He was supremely talented, funny, kind, and loving. It was a joy and a blessing to have known him, and to have tap-danced beside him.

So sad to hear about Dan. Saw it in the Marquette magazine. I ran track and Cross country with him. Always remember him as laughing and upbeat. Best wishes to his family. Tom Vorderer

Saddened to hear of Dan's passing. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

A wonderful man... husband, father, brother, friend to many, has left our world, but also his suffering. Dan brought friendship & laughter to 3 generations of Kerrs! I hope your incredible love for life & the wonderful memories of your life help get your family through this time of grief... ‚ô• Matt, Therese & Meagan Kerr

I doubt Dan would want us to be sad; but this news greatly saddens me! Dan was always such a positive force. Although, I hadn't seen much of him in recent years; I will miss him. Shari my prayers are with you and your family. May the memory of Dan be a blessing to you all.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

One of our great joys over the last few years was getting to know Dan and your family better. He became a trusted friend and mentor. His enthusiasm for life and the church made us aspire to more. We know our loss is only a fraction of yours. We miss him dearly and want you to know we will always be there for you.

To: all the LeMonnier family, May God substain you in the coming weeks and months. May you feel the love of our prayers and hold on to all the memories. Jan & John Vinke(friends and church family with Barb and Bill At Homewood Church in Homewood, IL.

Dear Shari and family,I had the pleasure of knowing Dan as a professional Storyteller. He will always be in my heart, telling stories and playing his many fun and beautiful instruments...May the Angles in Heaven enjoy them too...

I remember the very first time I met Dan; I was with my family at a Christmas service at the church...2007, I want to say. And there was a line in his message: "And now we're going to go to Bethlehem!" And he said it with such gusto and flair that my mother later commented, "Oh, he has to be a theater major." He had such passion and dedication, most definitely.Dan also personally helped me out through tough times and he was always there for me; he always gave me a place to call my own and carved out time when I was in his office. The tears came yesterday when I was in his office just thinking and I expected to look up and have him say, "Hey, Mike" with that smile on his face and warmth in his heart. And I realized now the angels have him, but God, it will be hard now without him.Shari, Flynn, and Claire, I want to continue to express my sympathy because this will be an ongoing process and I feel like you should know how many were touched by Dan and also how much we care about you. Wishing you comfort in this tough, tough time.

Shari - Flynn and Claire --I join with the waves of comfort coming toward you from all the folks your husband and father touched with his magical true heart. I can only imagine the terrible pain riveting your hearts at this time. Dan was an amazing Soul and I know, in time, as he relaxes into his new heavenly being, he will regale the angels with his gift of story and music. Sending deep affection and love. Shari -- let me know if there is anything I can physically do to help you.

Dan was a sweet, sweet man.His songs, stories and always-smiling eyes will be missed by many. Illinois Storytelling sends its sympathy for your, and our, loss.

I wanted to express my sincere sympathy. I had the pleasure of knowing Dan as a fellow educational performer. I had several long conversations with him at talent Showcases and admired his joy and positive attitude. He touched my life. Joan M. Caton / Caton Enterprises, Ltd.

Shari, Claire, Flynn, and all family and friends who loved and cherished Dan, My heart is still in disbelief that anyone so vibrant and loving as Dan is no longer with us in body. The last time I saw him he was telling a joke in a bar in Black Mountain, NC. That is how I will always recall him. Though our meetings and visits were short I counted him as a good friend through NBS. I trust that God is seeking a new life-giving soul like Dan's to add goodness and joy to the world. As I mentioned on my Facebook post, I am sure Dan is currently regaling the heavens with his banjo and storytelling even now. Heaven is certainly a lively place now. My peace to you all.Tim Coombs

Dear Shari, it is hard to imagine the world without Dan in it. He was so alive and so important to NBS and Prairie Wind Guild. Even though we know he is safe in Christ's arms, and that our human loves are held strongly in God's own love, the pain is indescribable. The network, the guild and my church continue to pray for strength and peace for you and your family.

My sincerest sympathies and I will be praying for your peace. I met Dan once and was impressed by his enthusiasm. His death comes as a surprise, however, I am comforted, and hope you will be, by the knowledge that he rests in Jesus' securing love, and we will see, and hear, Dan again on when we gather at the Lord's feet. My prayers are with and with your family.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.