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DANIEL RAY CULBERTSON

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DANIEL CULBERTSON Obituary

Name: Visitation for DANIEL RAY CULBERTSON
Start: 2023-02-18T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-02-18T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Bethel Ministries

DANIEL RAY CULBERTSON, 80, died Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, at Lutheran Life Village. Dan was born in Indianapolis, Ind., attended Indiana University, Ball State University, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, and United Theological Seminary. Culbertson retired from the U.S. Army Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving for 29 years. He was branch qualified in four branches. He was the only Army officer to graduate from Command and General Staff College as a First Lieutenant. He worked also as a sales representative for about 13 years. Dan was called into the ministry at age 39 and served as a parish pastor for 26 years with the United Methodist Church. After he retired to Fort Wayne he worked as Chaplain at Dupont Hospital. He enjoyed traveling, playing tennis and golf, and reading. He was a member of Dupont Library Book Club and of the Anthony Wayne Rotary Club. He attended various churches. He donated his body to the I.U. School of Anatomy. He is survived by his sons, David (Marta) and children, Garrett, Grant and Ollie, and Ryan (Savannah) and their children, Ryan Jr. and Stella Rose. He is also survived by his sister, Janet (Jerry) and sons Mark and Matt; and his brother, David (Emily) and children, Christy, Chad and Scott. Memorial service is 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at Bethel Ministries, 8405 Lima Road, Fort Wayne, with visitation starting at noon. His ashes will be buried beside the grave of his wife in Berne, Ind.

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Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Feb. 11, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for DANIEL CULBERTSON

13 Entries

Christine Appel Wild

May 5, 2023

We spent many good times together. Marjorie and Dan were the first friends I made after moving to Fort Wayne.

Deaconess Jeana Moe

February 19, 2023

I'm glad I was able to attend Dan's memorial service. I was able to share with some at the meal afterward some of my memories of him. I met him when were were Chaplain Resident's together at Lutheran Hospital in 2008-9. He often arrived early so that he could go to the hospital cafeteria and have a custom omelet made. When I arrived at my desk, he often delivered the half he'd saved and said, "Here's your breakfast". I recognized it finally as Dan's way of taking care of me during a stressful time. After the Residency, he and our 2 other classmates got together to play Euchre from time to time, as well. Dan was always a gracious host.

Mona Safley

February 18, 2023

When I moved to Ft. Wayne to pastor Bethel UMC, Dan was the first person to greet me. Since I had moved without my family, I was especially delighted to receive his hospitality. Dan was a colleague and friend. Rev. Mona Safley, UMC clergy

Rev Karen Pellett

February 18, 2023

Dan and I attended United Theological Seminary at the same time back in the early 80s.. We were Seminary friends and through the years serving churches in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. When I moved to Florida to serve in Hospice we got disconnected. Then, maybe about 5 months ago,, discovered he sat in front of my sister and brother-in-law, Marcia and Steve, in worship at St Joe UMC, so we began to reconnect. We discovered that after serving churches in Ohio that we both went into Chaplaincy, both serving among those with serious life challenges and often in end of life situations. His energy did not allow him to converse more than a couple minutes each time, but it was good to touch base again after all of these years. I remember him as a man with a smile and a tale to tell. He served well in Jesus' name. May God continue to bring peace as Dan rests at the Throne of Grace. May his family and friends also experience comfort, peace and grace.

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Karen Albertin

February 17, 2023

I knew Dan from the Dupont Library Book Club. He was kind. I enjoyed his contributions to the discussions. I am saddened by his passing. God bless you as you mourn him.

Carolyn Ohnewehr

February 15, 2023

It was such a shock whenI heard Dan had passed. I talked to him the day he moved to the Lutheran facility and he sounded really pleased to be going there. He and Margie were a beautiful couple. Dan was such a worker for our first live auction at the Derby United Methodist church. We auctioned coupons for pizza, meals, pies, at nearby major restaurants. All donated when solicited by DAN and church members. He was a wonderful thoughtful and caring Pastor. Sincere sympathy on your loss.

Lisa Genos

February 15, 2023

Pastor Dan was always at my chemotherapy treatments and my surgeries at Lutheran Hospital while battling my breast cancer. He always told me jokes, made me laugh, loved being there to pray and eat at the cafe, and had the sweetest warm heart ever. I always looked forward to him stopping by and the chemo nurses did as well. I am not sure what those treatments would have been like without him as everyone who sat around me passed away and it became very sad for me. His big smile could brighten any room and he was so darn ornery you just knew that you would be questioning if what he told you was the truth or his made-up stories. He would make the story go on a little while and get you all absorbed in it then laugh when he realized you had figured out that he was telling a tale. The last one he told me was about bear hunting with his son in Alaska in June. He said he carried a big drum of fluid ahead of his son who gave him a small gun to carry while his son had a rifle or shotgun. He said his son made him walk 200 feet in front of him then made him stop and open the drum which contained bacon grease. His son asked him to spread some bacon grease on himself and keep walking ahead of him so they could get a bear then he just chuckled and shook his head. I wish I had hugged him somehow around all those tubes and medical devices, but I know he knew how much I loved him and his spirit. He was such a great man who served his country, those ill, and his big community! I know he is in heaven just telling jokes and laughing with Jesus who is shaking his head at Pastor Dan. I will miss him and the gifts he gave to me. Lisa Genos

Jim Skelding

February 12, 2023

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Leah Guinn

February 12, 2023

We loved seeing Mr. Culbertson at the Dupont Branch Library. He was always so pleasant and liked to take his time and visit with the staff. He read widely, but every time I see a New Yorker Magazine, I will think of him.

Tim Monnier

February 12, 2023

My deepest Sympathy To the Family ! Dan and I Took Time Visit Staff and Patients at Dupont Hospital once a month for nearly 4 years .What Kind Loving Graceful Man And Friend !

Scott and Bonnie Doolittle

February 11, 2023

Dan was a volunteer and supporter of our ministry, New Mercies Ministries. He was a friend and prayer warrior to my husband and I. He will be greatly missed.

Linda Weimer

February 11, 2023

Pastor Dan had access to the church members birthday while he was at Derby. He knew we always had a dinner for our family member . We always had it around 5 on a Sunday. We would be about ready to sit and here he would come walking down the alley. We would invite him in and he would have dinner with us. Sometimes he would be late or not make it and our son in law would say we can´t eat yet the preacher is not here. We all had a laugh and would enjoy his company. Our prayers are with you all. Linda and Eddie Weimer from Derby United Methodist Church.

Wesley Downing

February 11, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers to Dan's family. There are many times I think of him and now find myself thinking about all the times he would stop by and chat to us on his way home. Despite his corny jokes, I appreciated his humor, but more importantly his kindness and love for others. He and Margie were the kindest people you would ever know and miss both of them dearly. They were a big part of our family and Dan even performed the marriage ceremony for our daughter. He never charged us a thing and said it was his gift. That's the kind of man Dan was. Always giving from the heart. We will miss you Dan. We delight in knowing you are with our Father now, and you will suffer no more on this earth. Rest in peace our dear friend.

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