Daniel Hunt

Daniel Ellis Hunt, 71, went to be with the Lord on December 1, 2025, in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Dan grew up in Zion, Illinois, where he quickly became known for both his talent and his intellect. During his time at Zion-Benton Township High School, he excelled in varsity football, baseball, and choir, bringing an easy enthusiasm to every team and ensemble he was part of. He graduated from St. Paul Bible College and, soon after, sang with Sound Alliance, traveling widely and building friendships that stayed with him for life. His love of sports carried into adulthood as he spent many years coaching, umpiring, and refereeing, always sharing his deep understanding of the game. During retirement he was especially proud to follow in his parents’ footsteps as an usher for a Major League Baseball team. He enthusiastically cheered for his favorite teams, especially the Cubs and Bears, honoring a long family tradition of supporting them through every high and low. His strong faith was lived out through a dedication to ministry, beginning as a youth pastor at Simpson Memorial Church in St. Paul and continuing in his many years as an elder and worship leader at Bonnie Brook Baptist Church in Waukegan. Dan carried a deeply curious mind, pursuing advanced theological study through his M.Div. at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and developing a lasting interest in genealogy and the stories that shape families. Throughout his life, he valued time with his family, friends, and large extended family, bringing laughter, jovial debates, and insight into every conversation.

He is survived by his children Bryan (Christine) Hunt of Greenfield, Wisconsin; Lyndsay (Matthew) Boettcher of Columbus, Ohio; and Alyssen (Mitchell) Grasser of Columbia, Tennessee; grandchildren Ethan, Elijah, Isaiah, Ellyana, Isaac, Jonathan, Lukas, Emilia, Prudence, Thorin, Phinehas, and Jethro. He is also survived by his siblings Deidre, Dennis, Denean, and Dori, along with their spouses. He was preceded in death by his parents, Urban and Regena (Knudsen) Hunt.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion. Funeral services will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Engage Africa: https://www.engageafrica.com/partnership/index.html.