Daniel Robert Wildenhaus

Daniel Robert Wildenhaus was born in Cincinnati, OH on November 16, 1969. He was the oldest of four boys in a rural neighborhood in Tiffin, OH, where he rode bikes and motorcycles, caught snakes, and led his brothers and neighborhood friends on endless adventures. He revelled in building his legend with stories, such as his buzzer-beating, half court, three point shot that won the basketball game at St. Joseph’s, his death defying Evel Knievel-style jump (with cardboard wings taped to his bike), and his bullseye BB gun shot directly through the eye of a garter snake. In 1982, Dan lost his younger brother Matt, who had once saved Dan from drowning in an icy pond.

After graduating from Newport High School in Bellevue, WA, Dan first attended Washington State University. There he achieved maximum worthiness of his honorific, “Danimal,” before moving on to more serious studies in the sciences at Evergreen State College. Dan was part of a cohort that studied engineering and environmental sciences together. His degree set him on his career path in building sciences. Initially, Dan, refusing to wear a suit, preferred getting his hands dirty as a building inspector. But his ingenuity and sharp mind ensured he would rise in his field. Dan became an industry expert, a training specialist, and a much in-demand speaker at building science conferences around the US. With both clarity and humor, Dan could impart the most complicated scientific concepts to the contractors who did the work. Dan was well loved in his field, known for his knowledge, humor, generosity and camaraderie, as well as his flamboyant style of presentation.

Dan met Jessa Layman in Portland, OR in January 2019. Almost immediately they knew they were meant for each other. While courting, Dan took Jessa on a series of surprise dates, each time only letting her know what kind of shoe to wear - they’d end up hiking, ax-throwing, at the theater, a restaurant, and even once at a clown performance. They led a life full of fun, adventure, friends, and love for 7 years. On July 14, 2021 they were wed in Seabrook, WA. Jessa was gorgeous in white and Dan wore a regal blue cape. They lived in Portland, OR, West Palm Beach, FL, and Longmont, CO, where they raised two beloved cats, Hobbs and Amber “Shaw.” As a couple they made new friends everywhere they went and kept their old friendships thriving. They honeymooned in Nicaragua, visited close friends around the US, and enjoyed music festivals, hiking, good food, and better drinks. As they both often said, they were the loves of each other’s lives.

Dan loved movies and television, and could often be found mid-animated diatribe about the newest summer blockbuster or a forgotten 2000s cable TV show, spinning hilarious fan theories and hot pop culture takes. A lucky few may have even seen his PowerPoint presentation that explored the vast entanglements of the Fast and Furious-iverse. He was also a voracious reader who consumed sci fi series at an alarming rate and always had a recommendation. 

Dan generated fun at all times - often in ridiculous wigs and costumes. He has been described as the most "entertaining human on earth." He loved his work and his coworkers, who often became his close friends. He was loyal too and loved his oldest friends, going back to his high school days at Newport, and to his 20s, a time of which he spent on Capitol Hill among the 1990s Seattle music scene. He was a devoted and loving son to Mary and Bob Wildenhaus, and a hilarious and inspiring brother to Joe Wildenhaus and Ben Wildenhaus, and their partners Ashely Wildenhaus and Tawni Bell. He relished his role as "funcle" (fun uncle) to Otto Wildenhaus, Luna Wildenhaus, Bowie Wildenhaus, Adler Brunson, and Odin Brunson. Most of all, he devoted himself to Jessa, a light in his eyes and a complement to his love. He will be remembered for his brilliance, compassion, and humor. Forever a man of science and generosity, in his passing Dan was able to fulfill his wish of having his organs donated to others in need.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 27th from 2pm-6pm at Huber’s Gasthaus in Olympia, WA. If you have written or oral memories, photos, or videos please send them to:

[email protected]

Huber’s Gasthaus

2312 Friendly Grove Rd NE

Olympia, WA 98506