Gresham, Sgt. Daniel Gene "Dano" 797th Ord (EOD) rose to meet our heavenly Father on February 24, 2005, after serving with honor and courage in North Samara, Iraq. He was born May 23, 1981, in Lincoln, IL, and grew up with his mother and two sisters. His tours of service carried him to Korea, Afghanistan and Iraq. His Military achievements include Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal. He will be given additional awards posthumously at Arlington National Cemetery. Loving son of Esther Gresham, caring brother of Julie (Greg) and Elizabeth, wonderful uncle to Miranda and Maximillian T. Buford. Visitation Friday, March 4, 2005, from 3 to 9 p.m., at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner St., Des Plaines, IL. Services will be held Saturday, March 5, 2005, at 10 a.m., in the Chapel of Oehler Funeral Home, followed by military honor service at Ridgewood Mausoleum. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, on Monday, March 7, 2005, at 3 p.m. Info: 847-824-5155 or visit www.mahserg.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
SSG Gresham,
We didn't know each other, but i was present at your passing. I was a crewman of one of the two tanks you came to protect after the initial IED blast. Not only did you fight to protect your country, but you fought to protect me. We never spoke except for when I thanked you while placing your remains in the PC to be removed to a safer location, but I feel I must thank you again. We never even spoke, didn't even make eye contact, but brother, you protected the lives of 8 other soldiers who were in harms way that day. Thank you.
Arron Wilcox
August 4, 2014
Its hard to believe that it has been so long since Dan has passed. He was a great friend and there isn't a day that goes by when I see a yellow Nissian Pathfinder drive by that I don't tell him hey, and that he really should have got a different car. He was a great roommate and an even better friend. He will always be missed and never forgotten.
I recently was conducting training in Ft. Benning when I was approached by a SFC Lee. He was the NCOIC on scene for the security element. Needless to say his stories brought tears to my eyes.
We love and miss you buddy, take care and we will catch up with you soon.
your friend, Shane
Shane Schrader
February 28, 2012
February 24, 2012
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Daniel G. Gresham:
Please accept my remembrance of Daniel on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
February 25, 2012
SSG Gresham, as I remember all those who have fallen on this upcoming memorial day, I will remember especially the sacrifice you made. Though I never met you personally, I will always remember the honor of meeting your wonderful loving family.
Most importantly, I will always remember...
Thank you for your sacrifice SSG Gresham!
Sincerely and respectfully,
Andrew Topham
SFC, Army
Retired
Andrew Topham
May 28, 2011
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Daniel G. Gresham:
Remembering Daniel on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Peggy Childers
February 24, 2011
Gresham, My family misses you terribly. A year doesnt go by that we dont think of you. Youre allways in my prayers and allways in my heart. my brothers, my moms, and especially my dads. He considered you like a little brother, and always did his best to look after you. Im very glad that i got a chance to meet you, as young as i may have been, your shining face and smile, i still remember, and always will. Gresham, thank you, for everything you did. like i said, we miss you verry much.
-Alesha
Alesha Holloway
July 18, 2010
My name is Tom Bauer. I fly AH-64's and believe I provided cover for the recovery of the IED explosion that killed Daniel. I was going back through some clippings from the Stars and Stripes and found a clipping that ID'd Daniel as the EOD soldier that was killed on the 24 of Feb 2005. I flew over that IED site for over 3 hours that day. I know that Daniel did his duty that day and the initially injured was medevac'd safely. I also know that due to his efforts and other soldier from FOB Wilson, the enemy was denied the video they took of the IED blast. To the family of Daniel I am very sorry for your loss it still saddens me to this day. If there is anything else you would like to know please e-mail me.
Sincerely, Tom
Tom Bauer
May 2, 2010
Dearest Dan,
How time has passed. I still think about you daily. Dave and I have parted ways, but I ask that you continue to keep watch over him as we have a son now. We gave him your middle name as a way to always remind me and Dave of the sacrifice you gave to us, our battle buddies and the people of the U.S. You are very deeply missed. Attached is a photo of Azrael Gene Bradford. When he is old enough to understand, rest assured he will know what a great man he was named after.
Sgt. Lindsey Bradford
Baghdad Iraq
Lindsey Bradford
January 11, 2010
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Kenna
November 16, 2009
Hello,
We have a Memorial Plaque in Memory of your beloved G.I. from the Military Order of the Purple Heart State of IL. If you could contact us we would be Honored to deliver it by USPS to the address you provide?
www.MOPH-IL.org
[email protected]
Respectfully,
Commander State of IL. MOPH Daniel T Finn
Daniel Finn
June 21, 2009
We shall forever stand and remember our fallen brother.Thank you.
N.C. PGR Member [Granite Falls N.C.]
February 24, 2009
To the family of Staff Sgt. Daniel G. Gresham:
Daniel gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Peggy Childers
February 24, 2009
Dear family of Staff Sgt. Daniel G. Gresham,
We want to say thank you. We understand that no words can be adequate for your sorrow. We certainly do not want to intrude upon your privacy. As Americans we want you to know that we deeply appreciate the ultimate sacrifice your loved one has made for all of us. We also would like for you to be aware that with this letter comes our special concern and prayers for you. We are all safer because young men and women who love their country, and know the value of a free nation, are willing to put themselves in harms way, and lay down their lives to keep this nation free and safe for all of us.
Your sacrifice is also very great. We know that we can give little comfort; however, the knowledge that your loved one did not die in vain, but died in the service of our country, gives each of us a noble example of the value of life, and the responsibility of freedom. We hope this will bring pride and comfort to you.
We at Gethsemane Church believe that there is purpose to life. We send this letter with our deepest appreciation for the greatest of sacrifices, you and your loved one have given to this country. We know it is not enough, but please allow us to assure you that your loved one is not forgotten.
Very Sincerely
Frank G. Noyes
Frank G. Noyes (Pastor)
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(Jn. 15:13)
Pastor Frank Noyes
September 15, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt Gresham!
April 28, 2008
Dear Gresham Family,
I was in Dan's class at EOD school in 2000/2001, and remember him as a very intelligent, funny, and kind soldier. Although I was retraining and had been in the service longer than he had, he was a model soldier and great role model for not only his fellow soldiers, but for all military members there. When I reported for duty in Iraq, I found out I would be replacing him after he left us. May God Bless your family. You are forever in the thoughts and prayers of many.
Dan Schweisthal
Dan Schweisthal
April 15, 2008
I had the honor of serving with Dan in Korea. I remember him as always bringing spirits up when the unit was down. I was so sad to hear of his loss. He will be forever in my heart and mind.
Roger Thornton SSG, EOD, (retired)
February 25, 2008
To the Gresham Family
To this day, I still remember the most sacred, honorable and solemn duty ever asked of me to perform. The remembrance bracelet is a constant reminder of a young patriot who raised his hand and stepped up to the plate...reminding me of all that I have to be grateful for. Thank you Ms. Gresham for your son, and for being so gracious to me at a most difficult time in your life. I will never forget you. I will never forget SSG Gresham's sacrifice and courage. I hope all of you are well & look forward to one day seeing all of you again.
God bless you!
SFC Andrew Topham
Andrew Topham
February 14, 2008
Dear Gresham Family:
It is with profound gratitude for the service and sacrifice rendered by Daniel that I express my heartfelt sympathy for each of you. Daniel's life is the epitome of heroism - one willing to lay down his life for others. To be sure, many Americans share my sentiments of appreciation for Daniel's incredible commitment. May the good Lord bring to each of you His peace and assurance.
Rest in peace, brave soldier.
Hamlet Canosa
November 7, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
August 16, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt Gresham and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
July 16, 2007
It is an honor to pay tribute to this fine young Soldier, Staff Sgt. Daniel G. Gresham, on the 2nd anniversary of the day, he gave his life for our Country, with a Multitude of Thanks, for his Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
Rest Safely Daniel, in God's Loving Care and may the Peace of God continue to be with the Gresham family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-
from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth."
~ Psalm 121:1-2 ~
I am sincerely hoping that you continue to feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you each day, as this Country Remembers Someone Very Precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.
Garnet Jenkins
February 24, 2007
dan was one of my best friends. i was in iraq with him when everything went down i miss him so much. my world is a lesser place with out his jokes and company.
sgt. travis turner 797th Ord. Co.
travis turner
September 14, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOU ALWAYS. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A PROUD MARINE MOM
ROBYN GARSIDE
August 17, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Gresham family in the loss of Daniel. I did not know Daniel, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. I live fairly close to Arlington National Cemetery and I go there often. Each time I am there I stop by and visit Daniel. I promise you each time I am there I will visit Daniel. Daniel you are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
May 20, 2006
My husband served with Dan in Korea. Though I had never met him personally, I have heard many funny stories about Dan, as well as seen countless pictures of the unit together out and about in Korea. Dan was like a big brother to my husband and I know that every day we are thinking about him. We wear our bracelets with his name on them daily as a reminder of what a great man, brother, friend, son and soldier he was to all around him and who knew him. We miss you Dan and you are not forgotten. Dave loves and misses you very much. Thank you for your sacrifice. You're always in our thoughts.
SGT David C. Bradford and family
734th Ord. Co (EOD)
Lindsey Bradford
April 9, 2006
Psalm 23
1
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3
He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
This is a verse that I have found to be comforting to me during my husbands death. Remember that when it seems that no one else is round, God is still there with you! And he will be your rock!
My daughter,McKaLyne, and I send our heartfelt sympathy for your loss! God Bless this warrior, God Bless those whom serve freedom's cause! They are our true HERO's!!!!
If you need anything, please feel free to contact me!!!
Wife & Daughter of the Late
Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford
KIA May 23, 2005
Vangi & McKaLyne Lunsford
February 7, 2006
I have never met Dan but wanted to let you know that your family is in our prayers.
Gail Houston
Gail Houston
January 21, 2006
I feel quite lucky to have known Dan when he pcs'ed from Korea to go straight to Afghanistan. He was a good friend to all who needed a friend. Every day with Dan was quite funny. He had a whole working encyclopedia of quips, fast one-liners, jokes, and anecdotes at his disposal at any given time. He made you laugh whether you wanted to or not. I had left the 797th Ord Co (EOD) right at the time that they were certifying him to be Team Leader. He's one of the most competent persons that I've ever known in the field. I'm so sad to have heard the news of his passing away. My friend from the unit had just told me one week ago, and thus this belated farewell. I choose to remember him in the prime of his life and will always cherish the gift of laughter that he has given me everytime I think of our times together in Both San Antonio and Afghanistan.
It was a pleasure to have worked with you Dan. And to his family this I say: I hope something of which I wrote has brightened your day. Even though I'm months late. But hearing the news one week ago feels so surreal.
Love and Prayers,
Ron S.
Ronald Sedano
December 22, 2005
I have met you as I was able to attend the very moving memorial service at Lincoln. You are Always in my prayers and heart. A Gold Star Mother.
Carolyn Evans
October 16, 2005
Wanda Cobb & Family
August 18, 2005
My husband Phil and Dan worked together in Korea. They had a lot of good times in Korea. I hoped to meet Dan in person, but never had the opportunity. Phil speaks very highly of Dan.
Your family and Dan are always in our thoughts. Remember the good times and know that Dan is always with you.
Connie, proud wife of SFC Phillip Herndon
Connie Herndon
August 2, 2005
August 2, 2005
I L.O.V.E Gresham.
Caitlin Brown
July 25, 2005
Dear Mrs. Gresham, Julie, and Elizabeth,
I recently learned of the loss of your loved one. May I offer my belated condolences to you all upon the passing of your American hero son and brother, "Dano", while serving our country in Iraq.
Please know that other Americans share in your loss and are concerned. It is my prayer that God may continue to grant you all an extra measure of peace, comfort, and strength during this difficult time.
May "Dano"’s legacy of bravery and devotion to our country and its safety be a source of pride to your family, an inspiration to his peers, and forever remembered by a grateful nation.
With deepest sympathy,
Sincerely,
Major Arnold Huskins, USAF; Army: 88-92, 77-81
July 22, 2005
It's Memorial Day and in tribute to Dan I thank him for his dedication to this country for the freedom we all enjoy. We fly the American Flag in front of our home and light up the yard with red white and blue lights that remind me of his bright smile and twinkling eyes. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. God bless all our military who are protecting our freedom. You can be proud of this fine young man who earned his place amoung the chosen ones at Arlington. God grant you all peace.
Ann Donis
May 30, 2005
May God bless your family and bring them comfort. Thank you brave soldier for your selfless sacrifice for the freedom of others. May you now find rest and peace in the loving arms of Jesus.
Susan Johnson
April 20, 2005
dear gresham family,iam so sorry for your loss.my thoughts and prayers are with you.what a wonderful young man dan was. i had the privilege of meeting dan in fort sam houston at brooks army medicial hospital.my son nick also in the army (eod)was wounded in afghanistan and was sent to brooks. dan would come to the hospital and check on nick to see if he needed anything.what a wonderful young man.i will always remember him for his kindness.again i am so sorry.rosemarie tritto
rosemarie tritto
April 11, 2005
To the family of Daniel Gresham: I did not know Daniel but I do know it takes a very special person to be an EOD technician. I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Sincerely,
Theresa Steffeney
March 17, 2005
I was so sorry to hear about this. I remember him from elementary school. The rest of the family is in my prayers.
Bridget Shuler-Stark
March 7, 2005
Dear Greshan family, My thoughts and prayers go out to you for your loss. I served with Dan in Korea, he was not only a good EOD tech but a good man. I know he made a difference.
Tyson Henry
March 6, 2005
Dear Gresham Family, May I offer a prayer of comfort."Lord God, source and destiny of our lives, in your loving providence you gave us Daniel to grow in wisdom, age and grace. Now you have called him to yourself. As we grieve the loss of one so young, we seek to understand your purpose. Draw Daniel to yourself and give him full stature in Christ. May he stand with all the angels and saints, who know your love and praise your saving will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Virginia Bernardyn
March 4, 2005
I give my deepest sympathy. My thuoghts and prayers are with your family in these difficult times.
Patrick McEwen
March 4, 2005
Dear Loved Ones of Daniel Gene Gresham,
I am so sorry for your loss. May Sgt. Gresham enjoy eternal happiness and salvation in heaven and May God will comfort you. Sgt. Gresham and his colleagues in the U.S. Military are and always will be in my prayers.
SAFELY HOME
I am home in Heaven, dear ones
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief are over
Every restless tossing past
I am now at peace forever
Safely home in heaven at last.
Did you wonder why I calmly
Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! But Jesus’ love illumined
Every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me
In that way so hard to tread
And with Jesus’ arm to lean on
Could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely
For I love you dearly still.
Try to look beyond earth’s shadows
Pray to trust our Father’s Will.
There is work still waiting for you
So you must not idly stand.
Do it now while life remaineth
You shall rest in Jesus’ land.
When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you home.
Oh! The rapture of that meeting!
Oh! The joy to see you come!
V. Kach
March 4, 2005
Gresham Family,
I remember all of you with love and affection, expically Daniel. Your family was a testimony of a dedicated Christian Mom serving God, and paving the way for her children to serve God. Daniel certainly served up until the end. I am filled with sadness for your loss, and will continue to pray that God will comfort you at this time. Daniel made an inpact on my life as well as my children's lives with his sweet spirit and giving heart.
My love and prayers,
Gerry Dotson
Psalms 91:1,2
Gerry Dotson
March 4, 2005
I had the privilege to know Daniel and what a kind and wonderful person he was. What an example of bravery and I will always remember him that way. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jessica Dotson
March 4, 2005
Julie and family,
Since I cannot make it to visitation or the funeral, I will at least sign this guest book. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Dave Wood
March 4, 2005
Thank you for giving your life for our country. Your mother and sisters should be so proud of you! Although I did not know you, your family is in my prayers. God Bless!
Anonymous
March 4, 2005
Thank you for sacraficing your life. My thoughts and prayers are with your family in this difficult time.
March 3, 2005
Thank you for sacrificing your life to make our country safe. You and your Family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you!
Anonomous
March 3, 2005
MY SINCEREST CONDOLENCES TO THE GRESHAM FAMILY FROM A SOLDIER OF ANOTHER GENERATION. THOUGH WE NEVER MET, I SALUTE YOUR SON FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE COUNTRY
TOBY WEINSHENKER BG USA RET.
March 3, 2005
"After hearing the sad news about Dan, I thought about the times he spent with our family while growing up. He spent a lot of time with my family before moving to Lincoln. I remember the fun we had. After the Greshams left for Lincoln I did not see him again until a few years ago when he spent a few days at my house. The little kid I used to beat on like a little brother had grown into a man. A man who loved and was protective of his family, a man proud of his duties in the service, a man who I will always remember."
Steven Ku Jr
March 2, 2005
thank you for serving your country, i did not know you but you gave your country the greatest giift you could.... my thoughts are with your family mother of a solider
March 2, 2005
We will never forget the times we shared with Daniel as a child. We also thank God for Daniels bravory and courage in serving our country.
Esther, Julie and Elizabeth you will forever be in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve Ku and Family
March 2, 2005
Dan was a very good friend of mine though high school. We even joined the Army together. He was the "crazy" guy of the group, and good at anything he did, makes for a great soldier. He was there if you ever needed ANYTHING, and would do everything he could to help. Weather you just wanted to hang out or needed someone to talk to, Dan was the man, a very true friend. He served for the same reasons and country I do, This is comforting to me knowing in hard times I could turn to him and he would understand. I just wish there was more time. We love you Dan, you will not be forgotten.
Fights Matthew
March 1, 2005
With deepesy sympathy, VFW Post 9640 and DAV Chapter # 31 Tazewell Co.
Frances Evans
February 28, 2005
I attended Junior High and High School with Daniel when he went to New Wine Christian School in Lincoln. I remember him as being the funny guy in class. He always knew how to make me laugh. I am blessed to have grown up with him and honored to know he fought for our freedom. He will not be forgotten. May God bless his family and friends during this time.
Erin Wind
February 28, 2005
I will always cherish the friendship that we had and I will never forget his sacrifice for our country.
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Paul Ku
February 28, 2005
Daniel was in my Junior Boys Sunday School class at Northwest Bible Baptist Church. He professed his acceptance of Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at that young age. I remember him as fun loving, attentive, and always seemed to have a smile. At summer camp, he always played his hardest at the games and activities, and was well liked by the other boys. I feel blessed to have at least been a part of his life, and to know that he died fighting terrorism and protecting freedom for me and my family. He will be missed. Rom 6:23 KJV
Mike Figarelli
February 26, 2005
Showing 1 - 58 of 58 results
Funeral services provided by:
Oehler Funeral Home, Des Plaines2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016-4611
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more