Daniel J. Freeman

Daniel Joseph Freeman was born on September 3, 1958, in Champaign, Illinois, and died on July 17, 2026, in Urbana, Illinois.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Jane Ellen (Hutchinson) Freeman and Orrin Jackson Freeman. He is survived by his sister, Judith Lynn Freeman of Aurora, Colorado.

Dan’s passion for music developed at an early age. Through his father, he was introduced to Dixieland music and began studying the clarinet. As his musical talent grew, so did his love for classical and symphonic music.

While attending the University of Illinois, Dan became an active member of an elite specialty clarinet choir. Through his involvement with the organization, he expanded his musical abilities beyond performance, developing skills in musical arranging and conducting.

During this same period, Dan worked in the archives of the University of Illinois Library, where he learned the specialized skills of restoring and preserving rare books. His unusual combination of musical knowledge, technical ability, and appreciation for historical preservation would eventually lead him to a remarkable career with the United States Marine Band.

Dan served as librarian for the Marine Band, where he was involved in preserving original manuscripts of the renowned American composer and bandleader John Philip Sousa. During his tenure, he also became an early pioneer in the use of microcomputers, introducing computer cataloging to help organize the Marine Band’s extensive collection of music.

After his military service, Dan pursued a career as a computer engineer, developing software applications and bringing his technical talents to a new field.

In retirement, Dan enjoyed the simple pleasures of time spent with friends and the things he loved. He enjoyed playing board games, woodworking, taking walks with his dog, Major, and cheering on his beloved Chicago Cubs.

Dan will be remembered for his extraordinary combination of musical talent, intellectual curiosity, technical skill, and devotion to preserving the things he valued. His life connected music, history, technology, and friendship in ways that were uniquely his own.