Dan Wurz's Obituary
Dan Wurz passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, surrounded by family and love. He was 71 years old.Dan was born on August 29, 1953, at the Hanford Military Hospital in Hanford, Washington, to Jerry and Shirley Wurz (née Segrest). He was the grandson of Emmett and Rose Segrest (née Thomas). Dan grew up in the Tri-Cities area, attending public schools in Richland and Kennewick before graduating from Kennewick High School in 1971.A natural leader from a young age, Dan earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout in 1968, and was later inducted as a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow. He proudly served as Chief of the Wala Moot Kin Indian Tribe-roles that reflected his deep sense of service, honor, and community.Following high school, Dan attended Washington State University, where he met and married Laurel Abrams, of Bellevue, Washington. Together, they had two daughters, Melissa (born 1981) and Kaitlyn (born 1985).Dan graduated from WSU in 1976 with a B.A. in Communications/Advertising and minors in Sociology and Marketing. Later that year, Dan was accepted into the elite Master's program in Advertising at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. He embarked on an adventure, moving from Seattle to Chicago with little more than a small trailer and big dreams. Dan earned his Masters of Science in Journalism/Advertising from Medill in 1977.His talent and ambition quickly led him to New York City, where he was recruited into Young & Rubicam's prestigious Executive Management Training Program. After graduating early, he managed advertising programs for a Fortune 500 company, building a name for himself in the industry.In 1980, Dan returned to Washington, settling in Redmond to raise his family closer to loved ones. He held executive roles at several Northwest advertising agencies before founding his own firm in 1989. For over 30 years, Dan ran a successful marketing communications company, partnering with clients from Seattle to Europe. His work included everything from strategic branding for startups to leadership roles, such as President of Dilettante Chocolate, and Marketing Director for a major oil and gas private wealth fund.Yet for Dan, the truest measure of success was his family. For 28 years, he made a home in the family-focused community of Sammamish. There, business always came second to being a good dad. He could be found cheering from the sidelines at soccer matches, timing laps at swim meets, organizing Wednesday night dinners at Red Robin, and celebrating every milestone-from graduations to weddings. These were, without question, the very best parts of his life.In retirement, Dan relocated to Ventura, California. He embraced the slower pace and sunshine, spending his days walking along the beach, cheering on his grandkids at their sporting events, grabbing a burger at In-N-Out, and creating new family traditions in a new city. True to form, Dan found joy in the little things and continued to build meaningful memories with the people he loved most.Dan is survived by his daughters Melissa Noren (Spencer) and Kaitlyn Wald (Justin); his brother Max Wurz; and five cherished grandchildren: Saylen and Samantha Noren, and Addilyn, Taylor, and Alyssa Wald. His legacy lives on in the laughter of his grandchildren, the strength of his daughters, and the countless lives he touched through his storytelling and words of wisdom.He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.A graveside service will be held at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Ventura, California on Monday, April 14 at 10:00am.
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