In Memory
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Info from Kimberly Gard Reaves 07/07/2017
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From Susie Scheu
Daniel J. Fortlander – Walkerton, Indiana, Dan passed away June 10, 2017 from a sudden heart attack. Danny was the beloved band director of John Glenn High School for 32 years. Dan literally taught thousands of students to play instruments, march in precise formation and love music as much as he did. Dan was beloved in the little town of Walkerton. The only place big enough to hold his funeral was the John Glenn gymnasium. Dan is survived by his wife Lori and their three children, Caleb, Shelby and Mikayla.
Daniel James Fortlander
Aug. 27, 1956 - Jun. 10, 2017
WALKERTON-Daniel James Fortlander, 60, passed away at his home on Saturday, June 10, 2017 after a sudden illness.
Mr. Fortlander was born August 27, 1956 in Maumee, OH to Frederick and Marcia (Collins) Fortlander and lived in the area for 14 years, coming from South Bend.
On March 18, 1995 in South Bend, IN, he was married to the former Lori Wood, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Shelby Fortlander and Mikayla Fortlander, both of Walkerton; one son, Caleb Fortlander of Walkerton; his parents, Fred and Marcia Fortlander of South Bend; two brothers, Ken (Jennifer) Fortlander of South Bend and Ron (Karen) Fortlander of Portland, OR; three nieces, Janessa Burns and Katie and Emily Fortlander; and one nephew, Kyle Fortlander.
Mr. Fortlander was a beloved Band Director at John Glenn High School for 32 years. He graduated from Ball State University in 1978 with a Bachelor of Music Degree. He was a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity and the American Music Association.
Funeral services will be Friday, June 16, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time at John Glenn High School with Pastor James Miller officiating. Friends may visit on Thursday at John Glenn High School from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Mr. Fortlander's honor to the John Glenn High School Band Boosters Scholarship Fund.
Rannells Funeral Home, Koontz Lake Chapel is handling arrangements.
05/17/2021 DEC
Susan Margaret Smith (Scheu) (1974)
Danny and I became life-long friends starting in the 4th grade when his family moved to South Bend from Ohio. The Fortlanders lived across the street from me on Manchester Dr.
Dan was the drum major for the John Adams Band and every Friday and Saturday night during basketball season he and his buddy, Bruce Laven, would lead the Pep Band and practically burn the gym down with their spirit and enthusiasm.
Dan went on to become a music teacher and band director at John Glenn High School in Walkerton. He lead that band with the same spirit and enthusiasm for over 32 years, winning many awards throughout the years. Dan Fortlander, or "Fort" as he was known as, was beloved in the small towns of Walkerton and New Carlisle. He taught the children of that community the love of music starting as young as elementary school. The "Fort Affect" touched just about every student in the John Glenn School Corporation for over three decades.
Daniel James Fortlander was a great man and I am proud to have been one of his friends.