Daniel Santistevan Obituary

Santistevan
Daniel L.
Santistevan
January 25, 1956
April 14, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel L. Santistevan Jr. on April 14, 2024. He was born to Daniel and Maria Santistevan on January 25, 1956 in Pueblo, Colorado. He was a husband, father, musician, artist, chess and racquetball enthusiast. Services were held on May 3, 2024 at St. Paul's Catholic Church with Deacon Bowles and Father George presiding. The St. Paul's Choir along with Dan Martin and Mary Maez provided the music. Dr. George Ulrich read a poignant and thoughtful eulogy. His urn was crafted by Jeremiah Houck of The Bemis School of Art. A Celebration of Life was held in the Julie Penrose Hall with music by Levi Maez. The ladies of St. Paul's provided much support.
Dan and his family moved to Colorado Springs in the summer of 1965 from Casper, Wyoming. He attended Pauline Memorial School, St. Mary's High and the University of Colorado in Boulder. He received his degree in Environmental Design.
At the time of his death he was employed with GOV/CIO as an independent contractor. His last project included designing training manuals for the U.S. Army. He loved his work and all his coworkers at "The Schoolhouse". Being a contractor afforded him to work for various companies and supporting different branches of the military. He designed squadron patches commemorative medals, posters, project logos and various videos. Because of his high clearance he was able to partake in the Wargames at Nellis AFB and was a part of the "Mission to Mars" video projects and even got to meet Margaret Thatcher. He received numerous honors and awards from Military Generals. He took pride in every assignment given, large or small.
He was a musician from an early age and enjoyed writing and putting his words to music. He played various instruments and was proficient in guitar, both electric and acoustic. The most recent band he played with, Balanced Rock, was a source of great joy, accomplishment and pride. He both loved and respected current and past members of the band. They played a large number of local venues to include the Zoo, Manitou Library and Stargazers. He played with the St. Paul's Choir for weekly services and various occasions such as weddings and Breakfast with Santa. He was fortunate enough to attend many concerts in his lifetime and even got to meet some of his idols like Skunk Baxter, Wayne Shorter and Carlos Santana.
In the early 1980's, he and the band Once along with Hanna Barbera artists and Animart Studios created an animated video featuring his song "Major Laser" that debuted and aired on NBC's Friday Night Videos.
He became a "Lighter Than Air' fan dating back to his college days and designed a dirigible to be used in humanitarian efforts in hard to reach locations. He presented this design to an International audience in San Francisco in the late 1990's. He was well received and encouraged to continue his efforts in this field. He attended and rarely missed The Space Symposiums since inception.
Dan led a full and interesting life. Never afraid to try new things and further his education and knowledge.
The family would like to thank all the coworkers, friends, classmates, "Racquetball Buddies" and out of town relatives that came to see him when he was ill. Thank you for your support and good wishes. He really appreciated the remembrances, laughs and "goodies" that you brought to him. He especially enjoyed the impromptu serenade that was provided by his fellow choir members.
We would like to thank his sisters, niece Christa, Allison McCombe and Jerry Sheffield for spending his last hours with us. We would also like to thank his sisters, Aunt Linda Chavez, Mark O'Donnell, Althea Sherek and the family of Sam Martinez for helping us bring his last wishes to fruition. We couldn't have done it without you.
We need to thank the Sanchez Family of New Mexico for helping to spread some of his ashes in the place that he has loved since childhood.
Lastly, we thank the Family of Dennis Santistevan and George Ulrich for being with us during this hard journey. You have, given us continued support and loving guidance through this process. We appreciated everything you have done and continue to do for us.
Dan is survived by his wife Anna, sons Ason and Brandon, sisters Linda (Danny) Jennings, Lisa Hansen, Laura (John) Craft and brother David (Molly) Santistevan, nephews Aiden Santistevan, Jake Hansen, nieces Christa Ward, Payton Craft, Ailey Craft, Ava Hansen and numerous Cousins, Aunts and Uncles.
Vaya Con Dios Mi Amor.