Daniel James Elsener

Daniel James Elsener, 47, Indianapolis, passed away peacefully February 22, 2024, after a lengthy and courageous battle with a rare autoimmune disease.  Dan was born December 16, 1976, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Daniel J. and Elizabeth (Waite) Elsener.  
The Elsener Family moved to Indianapolis in 1992, when Dan was a sophomore in high school.  He became a student at Roncalli High School and graduated in 1995.  It was there that Dan met his future bride, Rebecca Koehler.   The two fell in love and married on June 25, 2000.  Three children were born from this union, Isabel, Ava, and Daniel Charles.  Following high school, Dan proudly served in active duty with the United States Marine Corps.  Following his discharge, he continued to serve periodically as a reserve; Dan was always proud of his service to his country.  
 
A natural people person, Dan had a huge heart, a calming demeanor that made his career as a paramedic a wonderful fit.   He also attended nursing school that leant itself to his interest in helping people.  Perhaps most important in Dan’s life was his ability to cook – he loved food and serving wonderful meals to his family and friends.  Just prior to his illness, he had purchased a food trailer and had big plans to create a successful business. With Dan’s passion for food, it was inevitably to be a huge success.  

Dan was a huge outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, and always remaining loyal to his home state of Nebraska.  And only his children could tell it best with the following written just this week:  We all know my dad is funny, he never fails to make anyone laugh. Our door is always open, he welcomes anyone in, and always has an extravagant meal waiting for them. He loves music, especially country music. He loves hunting and fishing, cooking, singing funny songs in the kitchen, supporting us in everything we do, and we can’t forget the Nebraska Huskers. He is always the guy to talk to strangers in public, being friendly to anyone he meets. 

And of course, he loves my mom. We have watched my mom show up and sacrifice every single day for him and do everything that is best for him. Their love and her actions inspire us to push through every day.  Our Dad is a fighter. He is the strongest person that we know and is the reason we are all strong enough to fight for him today. He is the greatest, most supportive, most loving Father that anyone could ask for. 

Survivors include his loving wife, Rebecca, to whom he was united in marriage June 25, 2000; children, Isabel (Brian Paul) Elsener, Ava Elsener, Daniel Charles “Charlie” Elsener; parents, Daniel J. and Elizabeth Elsener; siblings, Andrew (Chrissy) Elsener, Anne (Ben Hilby) Elsener, Elizabeth (Danny) Mayer, Maria (Tim) Elsener-Mayer, Charles (Kelly) Elsener, Joseph Elsener, Sheila (John) Hasty, and Luke (Morgan) Elsener; 40 adoring nieces and nephews; many loving cousins, aunts, uncles, and in-laws.  

A Life Celebration® Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 2 to 8 p.m., at the
O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 28, 2024, in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 126 West Georgia Street, Indianapolis. Memorial contributions may be made to The Semper Fi Fund.  Visit www.ORileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.