Daniel Thomas Markert

Daniel Thomas Markert, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in San Jose, California, on March 18, 2025, at the age of 56.
Dan was born on December 2, 1968, in Torrance, California, the eldest child of Catherine and Thomas Markert. At the age of two, his family moved to Costa Mesa, where he grew up alongside his siblings Gayle, Owen, Sara, and Patrick.
From an early age, Dan aspired to be a soldier, a dream he pursued with unwavering determination. After enlisting in the Army following high school, he continued his education at Claremont McKenna College, where he served as an ROTC cadet and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1991. Committed to furthering his education, Dan later earned a Master of Science degree in Health Sciences, with a concentration in Emergency and Disaster Management, from Trident University International in 2010.
Over a distinguished career spanning three decades, Dan served both in the Army National Guard and the U.S. Army, retiring at the rank of Colonel in May 2021. His service included multiple federal deployments, including two tours in Afghanistan and rear detachment command supporting operations during the Iraq War.
Dan completed his military career as the State Director of Plans and Operations at the Joint Forces Headquarters in Sacramento, where he led major statewide missions during the COVID-19 response, historic wildfires, and the 2020 civil unrest - among the most complex domestic operations in the California National Guard's history.
Throughout his service, Dan was recognized with numerous awards and decorations for his outstanding leadership and bravery, including the Legion of Merit; the Bronze Star Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; the Meritorious Service Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; the Army Commendation Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; and the Army Achievement Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. He also earned the Expert Infantryman Badge and Parachutist Badge. His campaign and service awards include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the NATO Afghanistan Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star, among others.
In addition to his federal awards, Dan was honored with several California state decorations, including the California Medal of Merit, the California Service Medal with Silver Redwood Clusters, the California Federal Service Ribbon, the California State Ribbon, and the California Drill Attendance Ribbon with two Silver Stars.
After retiring from the military, Dan brought his leadership and operational expertise to the private sector, joining the leadership team of a wildfire technology startup focused on using data modeling to protect California homes, businesses, and communities.
Dan lived by steadfast priorities: Faith, Family, and Continuous Self-Improvement. He married his wife, Krista, in 1993, and together they raised four sons - Casey, Ryan, Connor, and Reagan.
Dan devoted himself wholeheartedly to fatherhood, often serving as the primary caregiver and active participant in their early education and daily lives. He was a beloved figure at their cooperative preschool, a steady hand on the playground and an engaged participating parent in the classroom.
Dan's faith in Christ was the foundation of his life. Rooted in his early Catholic education and deepened through personal study and the influence of western civilization's Christian heritage, his understanding of scripture was thoughtful and sincere. He served as an Elder at Saratoga Presbyterian Church and participated actively in Bible studies and Life Groups throughout his life. Two verses that shaped his view of the world were John 3:17 - "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" - and John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." His faith animated not just his beliefs, but also his character: steady, humble, and servant-hearted.
Dan was deeply passionate about leadership, fitness, and lifelong learning. He taught himself cross-country skiing to coach the state biathlon team, became a certified TACFIT instructor, and pursued mastery in mapping technologies - often developing highly detailed and insightful maps to aid understanding and planning. He loved to read widely, especially on subjects related to physical and cognitive performance, family legacy, and favorite classics like The Lord of the Rings, Starship Troopers, and the works of C.S. Lewis.
Though building close friendships outside of the military was sometimes challenging for him, Dan's dedication to community, excellence, and integrity left a lasting impact on those who knew and served with him. He embodied determination and humility, unafraid to make mistakes and learn from them - always setting an example for his sons that growth comes through perseverance and courage.
Dan lived by a personal motto that shaped the way he led and served: "Be a benefactor, not a burden." His life was a faithful reflection of that principle.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Menlo Church Saratoga, 4055 Herriman Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Dan's memory. Contributions can be made online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
He will be deeply missed.