Dr. Daniel Field

Beloved Child Psychiatrist, Mentor,

Husband, and Father

Dr. Daniel Thomas Field, MD, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected child psychiatrist, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025 at the age of 78 with his loving wife at his side. He was a man of uncommon intellect, humor, empathy, and strength, whose life was defined by service, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to helping others-especially children.

Daniel was born January 12, 1947 in Eau Claire, WI to James E. and Mary E. Field. As the first family member to attend college, Daniel was a natural trailblazer combining athleticism with a sharp and curious mind. He played football and baseball at Memorial High School in Eau Claire, WI and at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire until injury ended his college athletic career. In 1969, he married the love of his life, Cheryl Hagen, beginning a partnership that spanned more than five decades of devotion and adventure.

Driven by a calling to help others, Daniel pursued a career in medicine graduating from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine. He became board certified in both child psychiatry and neurology after completing his residency in psychiatry at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona and his fellowship in child psychiatry through Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. As a physician, he was a fierce advocate for children, leading efforts to better integrate mental health services within the school system and community. His expertise and empathy earned him the extraordinary honor of being invited to the Hopi reservation-a rare and meaningful recognition extended to few outside the community. Throughout his career, he strove to embody the physician's role as a "the patient advocate" with a special interest in children with autism, passionately working to elevate and recognize the diverse capabilities of autistic children and adults within the community.

Dr. Dan was more than a physician. He was a mentor, teacher, and role model, deeply committed to sharing his knowledge and guiding the next generation. Even while facing personal medical challenges, he continued practicing, motivated by his steadfast dedication to the families and children who depended on him.

At home, he was the heart of his family. A gifted cook and an exuberant gardener, he grew tomatoes in legendary abundance and passed on his passions for good food, music, and the outdoors to his children. Family life was filled with coastal road trips, Northern Arizona and California camping adventures, classical music quizzes at dinner, and backyard grilling to the Everly Brothers and Simon and Garfunkel. His humor was mischievous and memorable-once concocting a "treatment" of Ex-Lax and prune juice that his family would never forget.

He was a tall and strong man, but it was his empathy, wit, and deep love that defined him. To his children, he was everything: a provider, a teacher, a hero, and ultimately, a friend. His children knew no greater role model. Everything good in each of them is a reflection of who he was.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, his children Amy, Leslie, Amanda (Mike Long), and Geoff, and his grandchildren Kayden, Dara, and Alexis. Additionally, he is survived by his brother Steve Field, his sister-in-law Barb, and their children Melissa and Nathan. His loss is deeply felt-not only as one of the few child psychiatrists dedicated so fully to his mission, but as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

His legacy is one of intelligence, generosity, service, and love. He made the world better-more joyful, more just, and more deeply human. He will be missed beyond measure. A celebration of life will be held privately for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Field's memory may be made to your charity of choice.