Daniel Ehrmann

Daniel Ehrmann
January 19, 1958 - August 24, 2022
Daniel Paul Ehrmann
January 19, 1958 - August 24, 2022
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel P. Ehrmann. Dan is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Karen McNulty, and cherished sons Luke and Cal, who Dan considered his greatest contribution to the world in a lifetime filled with them.
A native San Franciscan, Dan was raised in the Sunset District where he attended Holy Name and St. Ignatius College Prep ('76) before continuing his education at City College of San Francisco, and later, UC Berkeley ('82). His enthusiasm and leadership abilities made him a favorite counselor at CYO Camp, Occidental and he would go on to direct Holy Name Summer Camp for three consecutive years. These early experiences working with young people led Dan to a career as an educator. He worked for several years as a youth minister at St. Pius X in Redwood City and went on to teach there while earning his credential at the College of Notre Dame. At St. Pius, Dan facilitated a student-focused classroom where collaborative, experiential learning encouraged kids to take ownership of their education and build trust in one another. This progressive teaching approach endeared Dan to both students and their parents.
Though he eventually left education to start a contracting business, at no time did Dan abandon his role as mentor to both his sons and young people in the many communities he tended to. A soccer player since childhood, Dan began coaching soccer in his high school days, and it was a given that Dan would coach Luke's soccer team for many years, counting the scrimmages he participated in alongside his players as some of the most joyous hours of his life. When the team graduated, Dan returned to his elementary school, Holy Name, to coach soccer until 2018. As a faith formation minister and teacher at St. Ignatius Parish, Dan taught Confirmation classes alongside Karen, and together they guided teens in their spiritual education by modeling compassion and a generosity of spirit. Impervious to negativity, Dan exuded the "can-do" attitude most people aspire to but rarely achieve. If there was ever a problem, Dan could fix it, or better yet: we'd fix it together.
An exemplary neighbor, Dan greeted passersby each morning as he loaded up his pickup for a day's work and always took the time to welcome newcomers to the block. His friendliness warmed the foggy outer avenues and it wasn't uncommon to see him joining a game with the local kids in the driveway, walking with Cal and Karen through Golden Gate Park, or toasting friends in the backyard of the beautiful home they restored in the Richmond District. A gifted carpenter, Dan's craftsmanship can be seen in many houses throughout the city, but his true legacy as an artisan is carried forth by Luke, who he trained from a young age. In the evenings, Dan was happiest playing harmonica and making music with his family in the living room he restored with his own hands.
Dan was a local, through and through, but he loved nothing more than a trip to the Sierras. An avid backpacker, Dan shared his passion for the outdoors and his wilderness training with his children, siblings, nephews, and his soccer teams, who he took backpacking in Echo Creek Canyon. He taught countless kids how to pitch a tent, start a fire, and appreciate the solitude nature offers. With his family, he celebrated many birthdays in Yosemite Valley and spent blissful summers at Camp Mather, where he and Cal captained a raft and drifted for hours out on the lake, soaking in the sun, occasionally starting water fights. His reverence for the natural world, and the enchantment it offers, is one of the many enduring gifts he shared with his family and expansive network of friends.
After living and struggling with ALS these past few years, Dan leaves behind not only a sweeping legacy but also a large family. In addition to Karen, Luke, and Cal, he is survived by siblings Joe, Cecile (Rolando), Gerry (Mechele), Steve (Patricia), Mark (Gail), Regina (Pat), and Mary (Joe), in-laws Joyce, Daniel, and Maureen McNulty, Terri Bedel (Marty), a cherished extended family, beloved nieces and nephews, as well as many devoted lifelong friends. He is predeceased by his parents Frank and Marie (Stoesser) Ehrmann and brother John.
A Visitation and Prayer Vigil will take place on September 22 from 6-8PM and a Funeral Mass will follow on September 23 at 11AM, both at St. Ignatius Church (Parker and Fulton, SF). Masks are required inside St. Ignatius Church. Parking is limited but visitors may park in University parking lots where space is available during the time of the Visitation and Funeral Mass. For those who cannot attend in person, there will be a livestream of Friday's service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Dan's name to: Holy Name School (1560 40th Ave, SF, CA 94122), Camp Occidental Scholarships (2136 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental, CA 95465) or a charity of your choosing.
Dan will be remembered for creating a sense of community in all of the groups he moved in and his loss is as cataclysmic as the North Star snuffed out. We are grateful to have known him and to have loved him. May he rest in peace.