Daniel Lee Sponsel

Daniel Lee Sponsel, known affectionately to all as Dan, Dad, Grandpa and Papa, embarked on his final journey on October 23, 2025, at the grand age of 79.
Born on July 23, 1946, in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, Dan's early days were filled with the wide-open spaces of the West with his two brothers and two sisters, which no doubt contributed to his expansive sense of humor and his knack for storytelling. Dan was a man who could find the funny in the most mundane, a trait that served him well through a long and storied career in the railroads. Working with The Southern Pacific Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad, and New Orleans Public Belt, Dan wore many hard hats. His colleagues will remember him not just for the efficiency he brought to the tracks but for the safety, as well. When not ensuring the trains ran safely, Dan could be found in his garage, sawdust in his hair and a mischievous twinkle in his eye, crafting what he claimed would be the next great invention.
He is survived by his brother Terry, sister Sheila, son Ken, daughter Chelle, daughter Dawn, son Richard, 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Dan's pups, his loyal companions, kept him company and loved to travel with him. He was a man who understood that life was better when shared, whether that was a good book, a woodworking project, or a belly laugh. Handy with any tool and kind with his words, Dan was the sort of man who could fix a leaky faucet with one hand while doling out sage advice with the other. Dan was a good listener, as aptly put by this quote by Rachel Naomi Remen, " The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen." His words often carried the weight of truth, but it was his lack of judgment that made the medicine go down.
To say Dan will be missed is an understatement. He leaves behind a legacy of joy, kindness, and a multitude of wooden creations that his family will use for years to come. We can confidently say that Dan gave immortality his best shot. His laughter echoes in the hearts of those who loved him, and his stories will be retold at family gatherings for generations.
As the caboose leaves the depot of Dan's extraordinary life, we imagine him enjoying the ride, preparing to reunite with all those that have gone before us. Dan's life was a masterclass in love, humanity, and how to leave the world a little brighter than you found it. And for that, we are all a little better for it. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made on Dan's behalf to:
https://www.yellowstone.org/ https://www.alwaysandfurever.org/