Daniel P. Hennick, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, gently passed away on July 8, 2024, at the age of 90. He was lovingly surrounded by his family.

Born in Crosby, Minnesota, Dan was the son of Joseph P. Hennick and Alice Willis, and one of six children.

Dan was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954 at the age of 20. He was stationed in Germany during the Korean War as a specialist in Army Security, serving as a Morse code Direction Findings Operator. After his service, Dan moved to Oregon, where he worked tirelessly to put himself through college and earned a degree in Marine Biology. Around 1961, he relocated to Alaska, where he began a career as a Fish and Game biologist in Kodiak. Dan’s work in Alaska included groundbreaking research on the life cycle of Alaskan scallops and the discovery of a new species of landlocked lake salmon, which was published in Canadian Science Publishing.

In 1963, Dan married Elizabeth “Betty” A. Routzahn, and together they embarked on many adventures in Cold Bay, studying and conducting research. They eventually settled in Homer, Alaska, where Dan transitioned into a career as a commercial fisherman in Bristol Bay and later became a local entrepreneur. He also helped build St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Dan loved the outdoors, hunting, crafting, and his faith. His hands could carve intricate wooden animals or fix anything with his signature touch of duct tape and string earning the affectionate term “Dan-I-fied” for anything both highly functional and perhaps a little dangerously creative. His resourcefulness and ingenuity were unmatched. Dan loved to hear stories and had quite a few to share himself, often laughing at his escapes from danger with a twinkle of mischief in his eye.

He cared deeply for his family, always concerned with their health and safety. One could say Dan’s life was defined by service, wisdom, and resilience. Those who knew him will forever carry his stories and spirit in their hearts.

Daniel Hennick was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings John, Joe, Marcia, and MaryAlice, and other loved ones. He is survived by his wife Betty; children Ronna (Todd), Elena (Edward), and Nikki (Steve); five grandchildren; three great-granddaughters; and numerous extended family members.

A memorial service will be held on August 9, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Homer, Alaska. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Legion Post 16—a cause close to Dan’s heart.