Dan Esterline, 67, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026. He was born to the late Howard and Charlene (Forker) Esterline on May 3, 1958, in Fort Wayne. He was a 1976 graduate of Carroll High School. Dan had served 27 years on the Fort Wayne Fire Department, retiring as Captain in 2016. He was proud to be a founding member of the Firefighter’s Honor/Color Guard. Dan also served on the Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM). He enjoyed helping people, fishing, and many other hobbies, but most of all loved being a grandpa. Dan was a long-time member of Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, serving in roles as trustee, elder, and played many years on the dartball team.

Dan is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Dawn; son, J.T. Harmon; daughter, Jenna (Tim) Sandlund; grandchildren, Hayden, Juniper, Kohen, Leland, and Kalina; sister, Linda (Bill) Toth; sister-in-law, Debbie (Jay) Lahrman; uncle, Tom Esterline; and a host of family and friends. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Esterline; and uncle, Jack Esterline.

Funeral service will be on March 30, 2026 at 11:00 am at Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church (6318 W. California Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46818) with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be on March 29, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the church. Burial will follow the service at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church or the Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum.