Daniel Philip Urban

On July 17, 2025, Dr. Daniel Philip Urban, D.D.S. arrived at his eternal home with the Lord at the age of 91. Dan was born August 31, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Barnislav and Mary (Herkowski) Urban. As a child, he was raised in a hardworking Polish family who instilled a great love for Dan’s Catholic faith. Dan served as an altar boy at their neighborhood church, St. Casimir. He participated in Boy Scouts, and had many fond childhood memories of his neighborhood friends. He graduated Cum Laude from his high school, where he particularly enjoyed studying mathematics. Dan attended Marquette University Dental School in Milwaukee, where he met the lively Mary Latendresse, a dental hygiene student, at a Sadie Hawkins dance hosted by the dental hygiene sorority. Their friendship blossomed into marriage on June 22, 1957. Upon graduation, Dan joined the Army as an officer during the Korean conflict, where he served in Nancy, France. Dan and Mary adopted their two sons, Greg and Karl, from Luxembourg during their time overseas. Dan served his country from 1957-1964; he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and attained the rank of Major. Honorably discharged from the military, Dan started his own dental practice in Fort Wayne, Indiana. While living in Fort Wayne, they adopted their third child and only daughter, Mollie. Dan was involved in multiple organizations including the Isaac Knapp Dental Society, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, and the Fort Wayne Country Club, where he would regularly golf, dine and play weekly card games with friends. He was active with the Immaculate Conception Cathedral where he was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, and he trained altar servers. Later, he and Mary were parishioners of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish. Dan served as a professional legal arbitrator and volunteered at both the Neighborhood Health Clinic and Matthew 25 Health and Care. He participated regularly in the Rotary Club and Optimist Club. After retiring from dentistry, Dan pursued his passion for learning by becoming a Diplomat of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, and he eventually opened a new office and began a new career path. Throughout his life, even into his 90’s, he took a variety of professional and personal classes, striving to learn more each day. Dan and Mary were very social and enjoyed hosting gatherings at their home. Dan was an avid card player — enjoying gin rummy and poker with his friends. He loved sports — as a longtime season ticket holder to Indianapolis Colts football games, as a racquet ball and tennis player, and as an avid golfer. Dan was a gentleman who enjoyed fine wine, elegant attire, operas, theater and ballroom dancing. In addition to fine dining, he even enjoyed an occasional meal at Coney Island in Fort Wayne. He was an avid traveler, enjoying many trips around the world with his wife Mary. Upon Mary’s passing, Dan moved to Houston, Texas where he would live near his daughter Mollie and her family. He eventually moved into independent living at Eagle’s Trace retirement community, where his social personality kept him very busy. He was a member of the Wine Club, Bridge Academy West Houston, American Legion, and several other groups. He always enjoyed inviting people over to visit. While in Houston, he was a parishioner at St. Bartholomew, then later at St. John Vianney Catholic Church. While at Eagle’s Trace, Dan met Carol Burgess who became a special part of his life. He sponsored her for RCIA, and she became a Catholic on Easter 2025. Affectionately known as “Papa” to his grandchildren, he loved spending time with them and playing games. “UNO” and “Aggravation” became household favorites. He also loved donuts, and the grandchildren remember how he would often bring donuts when he came over for a visit. His visits were always filled with much laughter and fun. He took a great interest in their lives and was always very supportive of their education, their career, and their families. Most importantly, Dan was steadfast in his love for Jesus Christ and His Church, something he lived every day through his many examples of kindness, gratitude and joy for his friends and family to follow. His perseverance and fortitude served him well. As he often said, “Don’t quit before the miracle happens.” Dan was preceded in death by his parents Barnislav and Mary; his stepmother Frances; Mary, his wife of 57 years; his son Greg; and his siblings Edward, Walter and Helen. Dan is survived by his son Karl; his daughter Mollie (Michael) Charba; his daughter-in-law Joyce Urban-Hogan; his close friend Carol Burgess; and several nieces and nephews. 12 Grandchildren: Daniel (Fiona), Christopher (Ashley), Katherine (Jared), Kaitlin (Jeremy), Elizabeth (JoeNathan), Alexandra, Bernadette (Andrew), Joseph (Emma), Mary, Patricia, Michael Jr. and Andrew. 17 Great Grandchildren: Jathan, Caroline, Emma, Julius, Mary-Rose, Raelynn, Liam, Cecily, Beckett, Jett, Conrad, Logan, Anastasia, Jacob, Nicholas, Felicity, and Damian. Viewing and Visitation will be held Monday, July 28, 2025, at 6:00PM with Rosary starting at 7:00PM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079. Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following morning July 29, 2025, at 10:30 AM, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church. On July 31, Daniel will be laid to rest with his wife at Divine Mercy Funeral Home and Catholic Cemetery, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46805. Visitation at 2:30PM; Rosary at 3:30PM. Graveside services immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP).

Daniel Philip Urban

August 31, 1933 - July 17, 2025