Christopher Daniel Laitner

Christopher “Dan” Daniel Laitner, peacefully departed this world on January 9, 2026, at the age of 78, surrounded by love. Dan was born on March 13, 1947, to William “Bill” and Louise (Heins) Laitner in Carrollton, Missouri.

A proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Dan enlisted in early 1967 serving in Japan and Korea working with the F4 Phantom II. He then went into Air Force Reserves maintaining the A-10 Warthog in places like Germany, Italy, and the middle east in support of Operation Desert Storm until retiring in 2002 as a Technical Sergeant. He earned his bachelor's degree in agriculture from the University of Missouri and worked for Farmland Industries overseeing hog farms in the Midwest.

Dan led a life devoted to both his family and community. He shared his wisdom and love for wildlife by teaching hunter education and firearms safety for the Missouri Department of Conservation instilling respect for nature and the outdoors to countless students over nearly 20 years. He was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church, and a leader in Boy Scouts of America Troop 865 where he was an honorary warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Dan and his high school sweetheart, Susan, married in 1974 and celebrated 44 beautiful years together before her passing. Their bond was a testament to enduring love, an example cherished by their children and grandchildren alike. Dan found tranquility in simple pleasures, sitting on his deck for hours, enjoying German beer and smoking his pipe. He will forever be remembered by his warmth, humor, and the countless ways he touched the lives of those around him.

Dan was preceded in death by his beloved wife Susan, his parents, his brother Douglas, and his sister-in-law Shawn. Dan is survived by his son, Josh and wife Christie Laitner, Holden, MO; daughter, Andrea Uptegrove, Blue Springs, MO; grandchildren: Jonathan, Elizabeth, Audrey, and Garrett, twin brother Jonathan and wife Marianne Laitner, Independence MO; and many nieces, nephews who each carry a piece of Dan’s spirit.

Visitation will be held from 10 am to 11 am on Wednesday, January 21st 2026 followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 am, St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 3736 S Lee’s Summit Road, Independence, MO 64055; Graveside services will be at 3 pm at Oak Hill Cemetery, Carrollton, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.