Daniel Lee Dries, DDS

Daniel Lee Dries, DDS, age 82, of Diamond Lake in Cassopolis, Michigan, and Miromar Lakes, Florida died Monday, May 31, 2021 in the comfort of his wife’s presence.

His life began May 23, 1939 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the older of two children born to Henry Frank and Eloise Marian Dries.  Shortly after he was born, his family moved to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.  He married Mary Jo Goraczewski August 29, 1964 in South Bend, Indiana.           

After graduating from Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, Daniel graduated from Marquette University followed by Marquette School of Dentistry.  He then spent two years as a Captain and Dentist in the Air Force in Laredo, Texas, before returning to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin practicing dentistry for forty-seven years.  After retirement, Daniel and Mary Jo enjoyed spending their summers at Diamond Lake and their winters in Miromar Lakes.  

Daniel enjoyed fishing, both in summer and in winter.  His prized possession, his Campion graduation ring, was inscribed with the Ignatian motto: “Ad Majoren Dei Gloriam” (To the Greater Glory of God) which became his motto for living.  He followed the Marquette Warriors highlighted by traveling with their 1977 NCAA men’s basketball championship squad and Coach Al McGuire.

Daniel is survived by his wife of almost fifty-seven years, Mary Jo Dries of Diamond Lake; two sons, Daniel L. (Erin) Dries, MD of Tampa, Florida, David L. Dries of Lakewood, Colorado; two grandchildren, Liam Dries and Rory Dries; and one sister, Kathleen Dries of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will celebrate a Memorial Mass in both Cassopolis and Florida, at dates and times to be announced. 

The family prefers contributions in memory of Daniel be made to Saint Ann Catholic Church, 421 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031, or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.  Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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