Service Details
A memorial service will be held for Daniel on Saturday, July 11, 2020. Please contact Randall Manoyan for further information either by phone at (847) 668-0259 or by email at manoyan1@gmail.com. The Manoyan family asks that all tokens of condolence be addressed to The Manoyan Family, 131 25th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53140.
Daniel Franklin Manoyan passed away late on the evening of April 20, 2020 at the age of 69 years old.
Born in Waukegan, Illinois on September 30, 1950 to an immigrant father from Armenia, Mr. Edward Manoian, and Elaine Manoian (nee Fox), Daniel went on to graduate from Waukegan High School in 1968. After high school he was admitted to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he graduated with a BA in Journalism in 1972.
Soon after graduating from Illinois, Dan began his professional career as a sports writer with the Kenosha News, spending the next five years covering local sports in the Kenosha area. Never quite forgetting his Waukegan roots, however, Dan decided to join the sports staff at the Waukegan News-Sun in 1977. As a columnist for his hometown newspaper in Waukegan, he fulfilled his lifelong dream to become a leading voice within this community that had provided his father with the opportunity to create a new life for both himself and his children here in America.
In 1988, Dan left the Waukegan News-Sun to take a position at the Dallas Morning News, which at that time was one of the leading sports sections in the country. In 1992, Dan used his four years of experience working at the Dallas Morning News to land himself a job with another major newspaper, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. From 1992 to his retirement in 2009, Dan covered many sports teams hailing from the State of Wisconsin, including the Green Bay Packers, UW Football and Basketball, and UWM Basketball. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel also asked Dan to cover several PGA Tour events during his career. As a golf enthusiast himself, he particularly enjoyed covering these events, and in later years considered himself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to see (and play) some of the very greatest golf courses in the world.
In 2007, Dan published his first book, titled Men of Granite. As an Armenian-American, Dan took great pride in telling the story of a group of small-town, first and second-generation immigrants who came together to achieve greatness in their new country. Dan was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame for his work on Men of Granite in 2013.
Retirement did not stop Dan from writing. In fact, in 2012, Dan published Alan Ameche: The Story of “The Horse”, his second book.
Above all else, however, Daniel considered his sons, Edward Charles Manoyan (33) and Randall Thomas Manoyan (30), as his crowning achievements. Both Edward and Randall will miss their father tremendously.
Daniel is also survived by his loving sisters, Barbara Burke (Lone Rock, WI) and Judith Dembinsky (Wadsworth, IL), as well as his nephew, Richard Dembinsky, and his nieces, Elaina Burke-Solie and Laura Burke-Jarrell.
Daniel was a first-class father, a loving sibling and uncle, and a devoted friend to a great many. ‘Minnow’ will be deeply missed by all those fortunate to have known him.
A memorial service will be held for Daniel on Saturday, July 11, 2020. Please contact Randall Manoyan for further information either by phone at (847) 668-0259 or by email at manoyan1@gmail.com. The Manoyan family asks that all tokens of condolence be addressed to The Manoyan Family, 131 25th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53140.
Kathy Haese Gathro says
My deepest condolences to Ed and Randy and the whole extended family. The memories of growing up with Dan, from being together in the same kindergarten class, all the way through our senior year of high school in journalism class, bring much joy to my heart. We were neighbors and friends, and I was delighted that we were able to reconnect through our high school reunions and social media.. Sending much love to all of the Manoyan family.
Cecile Marquardt says
As a member of the class of ‘68 I remember Dan. . I don’t know if we ever met. I would like to extend my condolences to his family.
Harry A Rasmussen says
Thank you for your contributions to the greater Chicago/Milwaukee metropolitan area. Rest In Peace.
Mark Paskvan says
So sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. My heart goes out to your family in your time of sorrow.
Bob Martin says
I knew Dan quite well “back in the Day” . Dan was a great golf partner and despised loosing. He had a quick wit and was always willing to know his opinion. I haven’t seen Dan in a few years but the last time we met, we picked right off where we left off, regaling each other with our triumphs and tragedies. Dan was definitely a homer he loved his Illinois sport teams. He even talked a big group of us into going down to Champaign to see his beloved ILLINI.
Rest Well: Dapper Dan we will all miss you big guy
Fred Ricker says
I was saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. My condolences to his family. I had the pleasure of working at the Kenosha News and remember Dan’s friendly demeanor. He was our stalwart 3rd baseman on the Collect Runs softball team. He was a competitor and had fun too. I saw him last at his Ameche book signing and we reminisced about those good old days. RIP Dan.
Alex Harbuziuk says
My condolences to Dan’s family. We had many good times at the university. We attended a White Sox game together in 2016. I bought Dan’s book about Alan Ameche. Dan did an excellent job researching and writing the book.