Remembering My Friend, Dr. Dan Gannon

Today, I pause on the blog to remember my friend, Dr. Dan Gannon of Bozeman, Montana. My life has been enriched by knowing Dan throughout the almost past two decades. Dan was a giver. Everything he owned, he understood as a gift from the Lord. As such, he freely gave it to demonstrate the love of Christ to so many – family, friends, church family, and strangers. As a biblical counselor and medical doctor, I enjoyed incredible fellowship with him and will deeply miss his insight into issue of the body and medicine. As a friend, I will miss time with him in conversation, on hikes, walking around outdoors, and listening to his many stories – especially hunting adventures. Further, as a brother in Christ, I will truly miss his humility, desire to know God’s Word, desire to help others know God’s Word and how to practically use it to help others, and his love of the church. Below you will find my thoughts remembering Dr. Dan, as well as his obituary, and some precious pictures of him we enjoyed in the past.

Dan’s favorite verse which he lived out in tremendous ways – especially after his cancer diagnosis four years ago:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov 3:5-6).

(Scroll down to see all the incredible pictures and great memories)

Remembering My Friend

I feel very privileged to be Dan’s friend. What a pleasure to have known him and be loved by him. Our family enjoyed sweet times of fellowship, and I especially was able to profit from our time together. Let me share four observations about Dan.

1. Dan was a detailed person. In his professional career as an orthopedic surgeon, as a biblical counselor, and in every day living, if you were around Dan, you profited from his being a detailed person. Just a couple of incidences: when I mentioned we wanted to drive down to Yellowstone, in just mere moments, Dan arrives with a map, suggestions for a route, what to look for in each place, and what to look out for. Having flown in and without any gear, Dan had it all. From bear spray to water to walking sticks, Dan was ready. He loved the details and loved good preparation. And, this story could be multiplied many times over. When we would talk, he would want to know the specifics of biblical truth, of its careful application, and the significance for faithful living. He would listen, ask questions, and ask more questions. Sometimes, he would run an entire scenario by me to have me help him think through a particular scenario or biblical truth. On the other hand, I could also ask him similar questions to help me think through the details as well.
2. Dan was generous in every way. Whether it was in his attitude, his viewpoint, his thinking, his actions, or his words – in every way, Dan was a generous man. If he had it and thought you would benefit from it, Dan was willing to share. But, it was so much more. He did not merely share what God had given him materially; Dan shared his heart. His kind words, desire to serve, and willingness to listen, all demonstrated the same generosity. From his innermost being, he was generous and caring. Of course, at times, people can be fake, but not with Dan. It is impossible to manufacture his kind of graciousness over time; it just naturally flowed from his love for the Lord.
3. Dan was consistent and faithful. In his personal life, his professional life, and his church life, Dan desired to be God’s kind of person. No matter where he was or what he was doing, he intentionally strove to be like Christ – and help others be like Christ as well. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he demonstrated patience and sought understanding. As an elder, he sought to serve the church well. As a friend, the same. I never once saw him change out of his “Dan who desired to consistently and faithfully follow Christ” attitude into anything less. What a great gift he gave to those around him!
4. Dan was a servant leader. He helped lead people in so many ways. He was a teacher at heart. If he knew something and understood it, he would be happy to explain it. In group settings, probably a skill he learned as a doctor, he would talk until he was done and move the conversation or group to the next thing. He was a great tour guide, always pointing out what to see and observe. He did not let you get too discouraged while following him. Instead, he would seek to lead well, with patience and kindness – and appropriate warnings. This part of Dan was so delightful.

There is more to say, but for brevity sake, let me just say how much he will be missed. Although we could only spend a week or two a year together, it was nice to know he was never more than a phone call away. When we did get to spend time together, it was sweet.

Dr. Dan Gannon’s Obituary

Dr. Daniel Mark Gannon, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and devoted man of God, passed away at his home in Bozeman, Montana, on June 5, 2025, surrounded by his cherished family after a brave battle with a rare form of leukemia. He was 68 years old.

Born in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Dan was one of nine children of a loving family. He excelled academically and athletically in high school, going on to earn a degree in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He continued his education at the Medical College of Wisconsin, graduating in 1982, and then completed his orthopedic surgery residency in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There, he met the love of his life, Pamela Bronkema, whom he married 41 years ago.

Dan’s passion for healing led him to a fellowship in orthopedic surgery in Columbus, Ohio, before he and Pam settled in Bozeman, Montana. There, Dan began his distinguished career with Bridger Orthopedics, specializing in reconstructive surgery and total joint replacement. His expertise and compassion for patients made him a respected leader in his field, and he shared his knowledge through lectures both nationally and abroad. After twenty-five years of dedicated service, Dan retired, turning his focus to his greatest joys—his family and his faith.

Family life for Dan was rich in love, faith, and service. Dan and his family are all deeply involved in Grace Bible Church of Bozeman, where Dan and Pam were inspired to serve as certified biblical counselors through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). Together, they spoke, led workshops, and authored articles on faith-based counseling, touching countless lives with their wisdom and compassion. Dan’s heart’s desire was to see others place their faith in Christ and Him alone for their salvation.

Dan’s devotion to his community was evident in every aspect of his life. He spearheaded neighborhood projects, volunteered for his church and served on their Elder Board, organized worship and fellowship events, and welcomed friends and family into his home for reunions and celebrations. He found joy in the outdoors—hiking, hunting, cycling, skiing, and caring for the animals on his property.

Dan lived his life with eternity in view, a principle he expressed in his writing and his actions. Dan emphasized the wisdom of numbering our days and making choices that reflect eternal values. He would often share his three tenets, “be a Christian oyster – make a pearl,” “be alive when you die,” and “everyone has a story.”

Dan is survived by his devoted wife, Pam; his sons, Justin (Justine) and Jordan; his grandchildren, Alex and Ashlyn; Tatjana Groenewald Foreman, loved as though a daughter (Luke); siblings Peggy Feider (Robert), Sarah Gannon-Llull (Ulises), Katy Cullen (Jim), Mary Adams (Dan), Kelly Gannon (Jennie), Jane McWilliams (Billy), and Joe Gannon (Pam); and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Meta Lee Gannon Durkee and Patrick M. Gannon; his brother, Patrick S. Gannon; and his nephew/godson, Joseph Feider.

Dan’s legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

---

For an Important Message Related to Death: When the Diagnosis Is Terminal