Dan Wemhoff (Colombia I) RIP – Obituary

Thanks for the ‘heads up’ from Geri Critchley (Senegal 1971-72)

 

DANIEL MARTIN WEMHOFF (Colombia 1961-63)

Dan in 1964 after the Peace Corps in New York

Dan went home to be with the Lord on October 7, 2021, after a courageous, stoic battle with ALS.  He lived life to the fullest from his early days of baseball with City of Detroit American Legion titles and St Paul High School. He declined a Baltimore Oriole contract and earned his University of Detroit degree while playing baseball and editing the sports desk of the Varsity News. He continued an active athletic life by running and playing hockey well into his senior years.

After military service, Dan joined the first Peace Corps group in 1961 and served in Colombia, South America. This began a lifetime interest in international relations, humanitarian service, justice, and foreign literature and films. He spoke Spanish and Portuguese.

Dan received a Masters in International Relations from Catholic University, earned a law degree from Antioch Law School, and practiced law in the Washington DC area for thirty years. He was a social activist who worked in McGovern’s presidential campaign, for Ralph Nader, as an election monitor in Kosovo and Bosnia, a Public Defender for troubled youth, and a pro bono attorney for Amnesty International, Catholic Charities, and others.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Grosse Pointe Park to Ann Martin Wemhoff and Bernard Pete Wemhoff on December 29, 1937. He leaves to cherish his memory his sister Nancy (Fred) Aiken, SC; brothers Philip Jacksonville, FL, and Paul (Mary Jo), Grosse Pointe, MI. He was preceded in death by his brother Mark (Ursula) Enterprise, FL.

A memorial service will be held in Florida at a later date following the donation of his remains for ALS research. Dan was a unique blessing: idealistic, intelligent, well-read, humble, and a caring friend to all who crossed his path. He will be greatly missed and forever appreciated.

— Published by The Washington Post on Oct. 24, 2021.

2 Comments

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  • A great friend and a wonderful person. He will be missed by all. An outstanding attorney with an imposing courtroom presence. His dedication to the Peace Corps continued throughout his life.

  • Dan’s funeral will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida.

    The services begin with a 10:00am funeral mass, followed by a luncheon, then ending with internment at Volusia Memorial Park, Ormond Beach, Florida.

    If you might attend, please contact me at 904.645.5342 or by email at philipwemhoff@gmail.com.

    Best Regards,
    Philip Wemhoff

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