Daniel E. Belschner, 83, of Fort Wayne, died Monday February 16, 2026. Dan was born in Fort Wayne on November 8, 1942, the son of (the late) Eugene and Alice (Salge) Belschner. He graduated from South Side High School with the Class of '61 and served his country with honor in the US Marine Corps. during the Vietnam Conflict. Dan continued his studies and earned his bachelor's degree from St. Francis College and on August 12, 1967, he married Kathryn (Hogg) Belschner, who preceded him in death on June 1, 1997. Dan was also preceded by a brother, Bruce Belschner and a sister, Connie Kennerk.

Survivors include his sons, Chris (Jodi) Belschner of Fort Wayne and Joseph (Merav) Belschner of Brooklyn NY; grandchildren, Grace (James) Zavattaro of Warren, Jack Belschner and Andrew Belschner, both of Fort Wayne; brothers, Barry Belschner of Fort Wayne, and Andrew Belschner of Kyle TX, and sister, Lorrie Melchi of Fort Wayne.

Dan retired as a contract administrator for Magnavox/Raytheon. He was a Marine through and through, and a devoted husband and father who lived with quiet strength and deep integrity. Though a private man, he pursued many passions – performing in local theatre, painting, and practicing calligraphy.

An accomplished athlete in high school track & field, Dan later served as a high school basketball referee, coached youth sports, and remained an avid golfer. He instilled accountability, responsibility and resilience in his sons, values that stand as his enduring legacy.

Funeral Services are 1:00pm Monday February 23, 2026 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. with visitation on Monday from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Burial in Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors. The family's preferred memorial is the Vera Bradley Foundation Center for Breast Cancer Research, online at www.verabradley.org, or by mail to 12420 Stonebridge Rd, Roanoke IN 46783. To share a remembrance of Dan or to offer condolences to his family, please visit www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com.