Daniel George Josoff Sr.

Daniel George Josoff, Sr. was born on October 17, 1944, to Eli and Ruby (Grinnell) Josoff. The second of five children, Dan was raised on a farm in northeast Sarpy County, Nebraska, where faith, family, and hard work shaped the man he would become. He attended Pleasant Hill Grade School, Indian Hills Junior High, and graduated from South High School in 1963. Life on the farm gave Dan some of his fondest memories—damming up a small creek to create a swimming “pond” and climbing towering mounds of discarded Nabisco cookies meant for the pigs. Those cookie hills became legendary, drawing every kid who hoped to tag along with the Josoff children after school. Dan learned the value of work early. At 15, he began working at Foxley Feed Lot, driven there by his older brother Paul. After graduation, he joined Jensen Home Builders, where his natural gift for carpentry took hold. That passion remained with him throughout his life, even after being drafted into the U.S. Army in July 1965. On November 16, 1962, a nervous high school senior found the courage to ask Sharon Risk out on a date. That brave moment began a 63-year journey of love and commitment. Dan and Sharon were married on April 1, 1967, at First Lutheran Church in Papillion, Nebraska. Dan often joked, “I took a Risk on April Fool’s Day.” Gifted with skilled hands and a servant’s heart, Dan built two homes for his family from the foundation to the roof. He considered his finest work serving as Chairman of the Building Committee for St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yutan, often saying, “God gave me this talent, and I’m called to use it for others.” Dan’s strong work ethic carried him through a lifetime of meaningful work. He spent 15 years with Gulf Oil as a District Manager, later served the Village of Yutan as Maintenance Supervisor, and worked in a supervisory role with Brase Electrical. He eventually returned to his first love—construction—at Creighton University, where he retired as a Planner Estimator/Engineer. Above all, Dan was most proud of the friendships he formed along the way and was known as a man who worked hard and lived with integrity. Dan’s heart and home were always open. Without hesitation, he welcomed nieces and nephews as his own, raising them with the same love and devotion he gave his children—Jennifer, Danny Jr., and Susan. Being called Dad was his greatest calling. He led with patience, consistency, and quiet strength, teaching by example through hard work, integrity, and faith. He was their steady presence, their encourager, and their safe place, finding his deepest purpose and proudest moments in the lives of his children. Being a grandfather changed Dan in the best way. He answered the name “Ponca” with pride. His ten grandchildren were his constant blessings—the kind that didn’t need words. He believed they were the best-looking grandchildren there ever were, and if anyone thought otherwise, they were simply jealous. In his eyes, his grands were perfect. He welcomed each one with open arms and a smile that said, you belong here, you are loved. Through them, he was also blessed with the cherished title of Great Grandpa to eleven great-grandchildren, a role that brought him quiet pride and deep gratitude. He saw them all as Jesus sees His children—fully known, deeply loved, and without flaw. Faith and service were central to Dan’s life. He was a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yutan and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Valley, Nebraska, serving on the councils of both. He served two terms as Vice President of the Yutan School Board, was a 4-H leader, and led the youth group at St. John’s. Dan also participated in multiple mission trips, using God’s gift of skilled hands to serve others wherever there was a need. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Eli and Ruby Josoff; his brother, Paul Josoff; and his in-laws, Perry and Clarice Isaac. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Josoff; his children, Jennifer (Scott) Schulz, Daniel (Jennifer) Josoff, and Susan (Darin) Egr; and his ten grandchildren: Megan Mattson, Alexis Thornton, Jacob Schulz, Madison Quinn, Bailey Johnson, Liberty Koenig, Nicholas Schulz, McKinley Josoff, Laycee Josoff, and Oliver Egr. He is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren, his siblings, Michael Josoff, Mary Vampola, and Tom Josoff, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, Jan. 10 at 10:30 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Yutan, followed by military honors. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 PM, also at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be left to the family for later designation.

Daniel George Josoff Sr.

October 17, 1944 - January 3, 2026