LEAF RIVER – Daniel James Buchanan, age 82, passed away on Dec. 14, 2020 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford. He was born on Oct. 4, 1938, to Thomas and Mary (Koza) Buchanan.
He pursued an art degree at Arizona State University, which served him well later on in life when he established an advertising agency. While living in Wilmette after college, he married the love of his life, Janice Weissenburger, and had four children. They remained happily married for over 60 years until his passing.
In his earlier days, Daniel was a talented artist and worked very hard at building a career leading to his own agency. Throughout his career, he taught many clients about transferring his artwork to advertising. It was often overheard that clients loved to work with him and appreciated his honesty, integrity and industry knowledge. Daniel was easily approachable and was well liked by those who came in contact with him.
Daniel also loved the sun, sand and heat of tropical locations; he would take annual trips with his wife Janice and their good friends to small Mexican coastal fishing towns. He also enjoyed the outdoors throughout his life where he spent time fishing, golfing and hunting.
Later in life when Daniel retired, he welcomed the peace and quiet of Leaf River, where he felt at home and enjoyed building new friendships. He would occasionally joke that he was the self-proclaimed Mayor of Leaf River. Daniel was so proud of his grandchildren and cherished making memories together with them on the farm.
He is survived by his wife Janice of Libertyville; children, Kelli (Bob) Prenner of Leaf River, Kathy (Erik) Spracklen of Libertyville, Kim Buchanan of Libertyville, and Marshall (Laura) Buchanan of Wauconda; sister, Katie Clesen of Des Plaines; and his grandchildren, Sean, Sara, Sydney, Ryan, McKenna, and Maxwell.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Thomas Buchanan.
A graveside service was held at North Grove Evangelical Cemetery on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please dedicate your donation in honor of Daniel Buchanan to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, www.stjude.org.
