Lawrence Daniel "Dan" Muehlebach

It is with heavy hearts – tempered by deep admiration– that we announce the peaceful passing of Lawrence Daniel Muehlebach, lovingly known as “Dan” or simply “Doc.” A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend with equal parts compassion and comedic timing, Dan left this world on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2025, after facing a challenging health battle. True to form, he handled it with grace, stubbornness, and the humor he was famous for.

Born on September 18, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, Dan was the eldest of six children – Tom Muehlebach (Rosie), Mary Jane Muehlebach (Todd VanBuskirk), Amy (Rick McFadden), and Chris Salerno – born to Lawrence and Margaret “Jane” Muehlebach. Being the oldest prepared him well for a lifetime of leadership, responsibility, and the occasional need to lovingly boss people around.

Dan’s life was defined by service. He enlisted in the United States Army, where he trained at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA, earning a certification in Russian linguistics – a skill that led him to assignments in Lichtenau and Helmstadt, Germany. After serving in the military, Dan returned to the States to begin his next adventure.

Following his time in the armed forces, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). But it was dentistry that ultimately captured his interest – and, fortunately, countless patient smiles. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the UMKC School of Dentistry in 1978. For more than 40 years, he cared for hundreds – if not thousands of patients.

Outside of work, Dan was a man of deep faith and enthusiastic passions. He adored Chihuahuas (especially Izzy, ZouZou, and Ozzie), cheered faithfully for his Missouri teams, found joy and camaraderie on the golf course, and filled his life with music. He was also famously the best dressed man in any room.

Dan is survived by his wife of 34 years, Gail “Abby” Muehlebach; his children, Danielle Wolfe (Jefferson Wolfe), Aaron Muehlebach (Tammy Muehlebach), and Nichole Spaw (Curtis Spaw). Dan also leaves a legacy of grandchildren: Jake Wolfe (Autumn Wolfe), Liam Wolfe, Courtney (Muehlebach) Enderle, Kayla Muehlebach (Sterling Malloy), Adam Muehlebach (Peyton Muehlebach), Hannah Simmons (Summer Simmons), Kennedy Davis (Karrington Davis), Brooke Spaw, Paige Spaw, Wyatt Spaw, and great grandchildren: Dawson Wood, Ava Enderle, Levi Enderle, Maylee Muehlebach, Maddox Muehlebach, and Karasyn Davis.

For those seeking signs of his presence, he won’t be the cardinal flying past your window. Instead, you know he’s near when you stumble upon a random golf ball in a place it absolutely shouldn’t be.

Dan joins his parents, brother (Jimmy), brother-in-law (Jim Salerno, Jr.), cousins, and many treasured aunts and uncles. We imagine he arrived with a dance step, a joke, and humming a tune from his favorite band.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 beginning at 10:00 am at St. Ann Parish, 1503 Tracy Avenue, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations to Wounded Warrior Project or Missouri Mission of Mercy (MMOM).