Daniel E. Lanzotti, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 21st, 2026. Dan was born February 27, 1949, in Decatur, IL to Vic and Lucille Lanzotti. Dan married his high school sweetheart, Toni Buechele, and together they had two children, Vic and Nicole Lanzotti. Subsequently he married Lisa Esslinger on November 18th, 1989, and they had three children, Nicholas, Lauren, and Audrey.
He attended St. Theresa’s High School and graduated from Champaign Central High School. He then attended Illinois State University and played football and was on the national championship winning 1969 baseball team. He then taught biology and coached at Harvard High School from 1971-1973. After hosting a career fair at the high school, he realized his true passion was medicine and enrolled in pre-med courses at U of I and obtained his MD from SIU School of Medicine in 1978. He completed his residency at SIU and then began a busy family medicine practice in Springfield, IL. He worked at Springfield Clinic for many years where he maintained a large practice, yet strived to make each patient feel valued, heard, and cared for. He was very proud to have been awarded the A. Raymond Everloff, MD Award for Clinical Excellence by the Springfield Clinic in 2008.
He practiced more than just medicine; he practiced love and cherished his relationships with his patients and staff. He enjoyed going to work each day, due at least in part to his beloved staff who he treated as a second family. Dan had an admirable work ethic, often bragging about never taking a sick day (a feat he often joked he wanted in his obituary).
This dedication carried over to his personal life as well, as Dan was constantly attending his children’s games and practices as either a coach or a spectator. He was passionate about University of Illinois sports and attended many games and watched the rest with his family and friends in town.
He loved leaving work early each Wednesday in the summer and heading to Island Bay to swim, boat, and play with his family. He could make every situation fun and with a crooked smile and a twinkle in his eye, his laugh would fill a room. He was an avid storyteller who never met a stranger.
He was a man of many names being called Dan-o, Danny, daddio, UD, Danimal, Dr. Dan the Bandage Man, and Sambuca Dan; but most importantly he loved being called Dad and Papa Dan. He took great pride in all his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. Dan fiercely loved his wife, Lisa, and they were an incredible example to their children of what it means to live out your vows. Even on hard days, Dan exuded courage, grace, resilience and hope for eternal happiness.
Dan is survived by his wife, Lisa; children, Vic (Jamie), Nicole, Nicholas (Kellie), Lauren, and Audrey; grandchildren, Jackson, Alli, Lanie, Brooklyn, Zella, and Luke; brother, Dr. Vic (Joyce) Lanzotti; brothers-in-law, Rennie Young, Perry (Wendy) Esslinger, Steve (Connie) Esslinger, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Connie Young.
Memorial Gathering: 4:00 – 7:00, Monday, April 27, 2026, at St. Agnes Catholic Church.
Memorial Mass: 10:30 am, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, with Reverend Daniel Bergbower officiating.
A private family graveside service will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SIU Medical Student Urgent Aid Fund or Kidzeum of Health and Science STEAM Center.
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