Daniel Joseph Nettler's Obituary
Daniel Joseph Nettler, 67, passed away on January 2, 2026, in Gahanna, Ohio after a one year battle with Sarcoma.
Born on April 21, 1958 in St. Louis Missouri, Dan moved to Ohio in 1962. His education began at St. Pius Elementary in Reynoldsburg and continued through Bishop Hartley High School in Columbus. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from The Ohio State University in 1981 and an MBA from the University of Phoenix in 1999.
Dan began working at age 14 in a Reynoldsburg bicycle shop and held various jobs throughout his youth, including being a cook at Frenchy's restaurant in Eastland Mall. During college he worked in the hardware department at Rink's Department Store, where he rose to manager. After graduation, he embarked on a distinguished 32-year career at the Defense Supply Center Columbus. Dan started in Facilities Engineering, rising to the position of Deputy Facility Engineer. He went on to manage the Quality of Life program and later served as a manager in Technical Data Operations. Dan concluded his career as a Weapons Systems Support Manager—his favorite position as it allowed him to directly connect with and support the warfighters in the Middle East by ensuring timely delivery of critical supplies.
For 41 years, Dan was a devoted member of the Church of the Resurrection in New Albany. He was a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus New Albany Council 10941. A member since 1998, he felt fortunate he could participate in a charitable fraternity that serves the needs of the parish and the local community. He filled many roles at church. He was a past member of the parish council, a Eucharistic minister, usher, and occasional alter server. His biggest regret this past year was his inability to be able greet at Mass.
In 1971 Dan contracted a virus that caused deafness in his right ear. He was able to compensate, but was thrilled in 2005 to receive a Cochlear Baha device that allowed him to hear what was happening on his right side. He was the 7th recipient at OSU when it became available. It made such a difference for him at work and in life. He became a volunteer helping others learn what it could do for them, talking about his personal experience, never failing to demonstrate how it worked to people curious about that thing on his head.
Dan has been a Jack of all Trades and a master of many. He could repair bicycles, do electricity and plumbing. He hated plumbing! He finished the basement of his home, building walls, installing the electricity, lighting, ceiling and floors. It became a Buckeye haven with memorabilia from 1928 to today. He loved computers and technology starting with a Texas Instruments computer that used a TV as a monitor. He loved woodworking. It became a serious hobby after retirement. Dan enjoyed "making sawdust and the occasional useful project" for family, friends and charity. He had a great time taking great drives with the many friends he made in his car club. Above all, his greatest joy was time spent with the grandkids. Hunter and Tyler loved playing card games; Uno, War and Speed where PoPo “always” won. They eagerly helped him in the workshop, making projects, learning to work the drill press. PoPo was Kayla and Kyle's library buddy, spending many hours at Story Time.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan; daughters Katherine (Justin) Kudela and Jessica (Joseph) Whitehead; grandchildren Hunter and Tyler Kudela, and Kayla and Kyle Whitehead; siblings Gary (Bev) Nettler, Kim (Jim) Moore and Michael Nettler and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Virginia (Marra) Nettler.
A Funeral Mass will be held on January 28, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Church of the Resurrection, 6300 E Dublin Granville Rd, New Albany, Ohio 43054. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. A luncheon will follow Mass. Many are familiar with Dan’s practice of wearing Buckeye colors to Sunday Mass after an OSU victory. January 28th we will be celebrating Dan’s victory over death as he enters into new life in heaven by wearing scarlet and gray. Feel free to join us.
We have received many heartfelt notes in the past month. We plan to print them to share with everyone at the visitation. If you would like to write something we would print, you can post in the Share a Memory area in the obituary.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to:
The New Albany Knights of Columbus Council 10941, 6300 E Dublin Granville Rd, New Albany, Ohio 43054, or link on church website: https://ppay.co/od6xlDfWmA8
The Ohio State University Sarcoma Research Fund at The James. Fund number 312232
https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/312232
or a charity of your choice.
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