Dan Auckley

 

Daniel (Dan) James Auckley, 59, passed away in his home on June 13th, 2023. Daniel was born on August 3rd, 1963 in Cleveland, OH to James and Susan Auckley. He spent most of his childhood in West Lafayette, IN where he was the oldest of three siblings (Dennis Auckley, Timothy Auckley, and Patricia Luban). Dan was an exemplary “big brother” and “first born” – consistently noted for being caring, patient, funny, endlessly even-tempered, and inclusive (always allowing the younger siblings to hang out with “the big kids.”). Dan attended West Lafayette High School in West Lafayette, IN. Throughout high school, he had many friends and was noted for his kindness. He was a sportsman – involved in football, swimming, and track & field. On May 30th, 1992, Daniel married Sherri Auckley (Wynn) in West Lafayette, IN. The couple raised four children throughout their marriage – Amy Freeman, Melissa Gratz, Danielle Brown, and Grace Auckley. One of Dan’s greatest joys in life was raising his girls and supporting them in all of their endeavors. He was their #1 fan: transporting, timing, comforting and cheering them on at swim meets, track events, and any other undertaking. Dan was a grandpa to two adoring grandsons. One of his greatest desires was to be outside playing and laughing with them. In his later years he enjoyed a variety of fitness classes with his favorite being cycling. He was an avid road cyclist and participated in many cycling events to include the CASA ride. Dan attended Purdue University and graduated in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Management from the Krannert School of Management. Dan held a variety of positions throughout his career with the majority of them in project management or construction.

Those who had the pleasure of knowing Dan, loved him. He greeted everyone he met with a warm smile and always made an effort to make people feel welcome. One of Dan’s most endearing traits was the sincere and gentle offering of encouragement and support in all moments. He was a man of good character, loyal, faithful, and hard-working. He was a loving father, brother, and friend. Dan’s family will remember him most for his love of family, enthusiasm for exercise, passion for a delicious plate of nachos, organizational skills, and his wonderful voicemails.

He is survived by four daughters, Amy Freeman (Brian and grandson Theodore Freeman of Lafayette, IN), Melissa Gratz (Brandon and grandson Grayson Gratz of Fort Wayne, IN), Danielle Brown (Zach of Coralville, IA) and Grace Auckley (of Fort Wayne, IN); brothers Dennis Auckley (Deirdre Wenzel of Bay Village, OH) and Timothy Auckley (of Lafayette, IN); sister Patricia Luban (Mike of Lafayette, IN). Dan is survived by several nieces and nephews; Elizabeth, Joe, Olivia, Sarah and Nicholas. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Susan Auckley.

A visitation will be held from 10am to 12pm Saturday, June 24th, 2023, at Soller-Baker Funeral Home (400 Twyckenham Boulevard Lafayette, IN 47909). A service will be held immediately following the visitation. All are welcome to join in the celebration of Dan’s life with his family and friends.