Memorial
Daniel Allan Lehn, 58, of North Liberty passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2016 from injuries sustained in a bicycle-automobile accident. Dan was born in Cincinnati, OH, where he began a lifelong love affair with the Cincinnati Reds. At the age of 10, Dan and his family moved to Fairfield, Connecticut. Dan graduated from Notre Dame Catholic High School in Fairfield and obtained an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Connecticut. He developed an abiding love for the UConn sports program, especially women’s basketball, allowing him to celebrate numerous national championships. Dan worked for a short time as a chemical engineer before he decided to take a pay cut and move into teaching.
Dan worked briefly as a high school math teacher, finding joy in teaching and helping people, but he found his true academic passion when he decided to pursue a Ph.D. in Experimental Social Psychology at Dartmouth College. Dan proudly wore the Dartmouth gown and floppy beefeater headgear at every Coe College graduation ceremony after he was offered a position there as a Professor of Psychology. Dan also recently served as the Associate Dean of Faculty at Coe.
Dan was best known as a people person. Dan loved people, period. If you sat next to Dan on a plane ride, you were about to make a new friend. If you were his waiter at a restaurant, you might find yourself telling Dan your life story. While Dan loved people in general, he especially loved his family. Dan was a thoughtful and caring husband of 19 years, a dedicated father and grandfather, and a devoted brother, uncle, and son who spoke weekly with his mother. Dan was known to take an interest in those around him, especially his students. Dan was widely regarded as an excellent teacher who invested his time and talent in young people. Dan loved others in a way that was truly remarkable to those who knew him.
Dan was dedicated to a healthy lifestyle (except for his appreciation of craft beer). He was an excellent cook and enjoyed anything with kale, quinoa, spinach, or other rabbit food in it. He delighted in trying new and unusual cuisines. Dan loved to stay active and especially enjoyed cycling. Dan died doing an activity he loved.
Dan was kindhearted, had a quick wit, and loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. Dan was loved immensely and will be missed beyond measure. Dan is survived by his loving wife, Lauri; children, Jake (Tonya) Vitense and Kelsey Vitense; and was the super proud grandfather of Henry Vitense. Dan is also survived by his mother, Barbara Lehn, and his five brothers, Stephan (Pam) Lehn, David (Jane) Lehn, Gregory (Lori) Lehn, Randolph (Beth) Lehn, and Matthew Lehn.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.