Rev. Daniel Charles Praeuner

Rev. Daniel Charles Praeuner (Dan) passed away peacefully in the early hours of January 7, 2026, at home with his wife Patricia Anne Praeuner (Patti) at his side. He died knowing with absolute assurance that he would live with his Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ in eternity.
Dan's love of music led him to attend Wayne State College in Nebraska where he earned a BA in music. He used that degree to teach band in public school systems in Hot Springs, SD and Vernal, UT. He loved teaching and often shared stories of how well his students performed because he expected their very best. Because they were well taught and motivated to excel, he was able to take them to march/play in parades and events, including a trip to Canada. The Hot Springs band invited him to a recent reunion. Many said that they will never forget him or their band experiences. Through close contact with them on trips, situations occurred where he was able to shepherd them with life decisions.
Dan was then led to serve the Lord with greater gladness by attending Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, IN. In addition to course work, he sang in the Kantorei seminary choir that travelled to LCMS churches throughout the US. He was gifted with a truly beautiful voice that so many appreciated when he sang and chanted in churches he pastored and attended as a member. But he loved other music, too. He even sang in a college band he called "Dan and the Dandruffs". It was a special treat to hear him sing "Long Tall Texan". This choice was befitting because Dan used humor to bring cheer to others and foster fellowship. People enjoyed hearing his jokes so much that he was gifted "Dad joke" books. He was also an accomplished artist in colored pencil medium. He even did commission work.
Dan was ordained on August 22, 1993, and has pastored in churches in and outside the Wyoming District, including Red Cloud, NE; Riverton, WY; Roswell, NM; Pine Bluffs, WY/ Grover, CO and Chadron, NE. He was headmaster of the classical church schools in Riverton and Roswell. His call to Roswell included starting a classical school which grew from one student to over 100 by his belief that parents will enroll their children based on the superiority of the education given and not fear financial limitations. As a board member of the Consortium for Classical Education (CCLE), he worked to structure Christ-centered classical education and is recognized as an early champion of this movement.
As a twice-retired pastor, he continued to preach and teach within the WY district up to his death with his last sermon preached for him on the day of his passing. He also directed the choir of Immanuel. He loved the hymnody of the church. He believed choirs should only sing when fully prepared, offering their very best as praise to the Lord.
Dan was born in Norfolk, NE June 15, 1948 (age 77) and baptized into Jesus' death and resurrection July 1, 1948, and confirmed June 3, 1962. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Martin Praeuner, and Ann Marie Heybrock; his brother Randall; and his beloved wife Roxanne, with whom he shared 49 years of marriage. He is survived by his brother Roger. He is also survived by two daughters, Lynn Penton and Carrie (Kevin) Huneke and their families. His grandchildren include Abby, Allie, and Amber (Lynn's children) and Janelle, Daniel, and Martha (Carrie's children). He has two great grandchildren, Levi (from Allie) and Vincent (from Janelle). Dan dearly loved his family and was especially thrilled to have two great grandchildren, one of whom he saw this Christmas. Dan and Roxanne were loving parents and were always there for their children, all of whom were baptized and confirmed in the LCMS Lutheran Church.
His marriage to Roxanne was a long and happy one. After her death, he married Patti while pastoring a dual parish. They shared a mutual love for each other and of the Lord. Patti embraced the vocation of a pastor's wife as her most loving expression of devotion to Dan and the Lord.
Dan will be sorely missed as a faithful preacher, teacher, and counselor. He will also be sorely missed by his wife Patti, family, friends and multiple church families. Even in death, Dan continues to preach our salvation to eternal life with our Lord by the confession of faith engraved on his headstone.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to honor Dan to Martin Luther Grammar School, 1325 Burton Street, Sheridan, WY 82801.
A Viewing is at 9:30 A.M. and a Funeral Service will be at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1300 W 5th St., Sheridan, WY. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment will be held in Battle Creek, NE, at a date and time to be determined.
Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.