Obituary: Daniel “Dr. Dan” Andrew Michalec
Daniel “Dr. Dan” Andrew Michalec, 82, of Chicago, Illinois, was called home to God on September 21, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Aloysius Michalec and Anna (Nowak) Michalec. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Bonita “Bonnie” (Rydberg) Michalec; his children, Philip (Claire) and Rhonda; and his cherished grandchildren, Connor, Philip “PJ,” Mary Claire “MC,” and Andrew Aloysius. He is also survived by his sister, Andrea DeSanty, her sons Jeff (Brenda) and Keith (Lisa). Survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Born on July 21, 1943, in Chicago, Dan and his sister Andrea helped their parents run the family grocery store in Bucktown. They were parishioners at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, where Dan was a Knight of the Altar and altar server. He graduated from Holy Trinity High School, where he excelled in tennis and served as captain of the team. From 1968 to 1973, he proudly served in the United States Army within the Army Intelligence unit.
After his military service, Dan pursued his lifelong calling as a chiropractor. He graduated from the National College of Chiropractic, where he also taught, and was an active member of the Catholic Club and Chi Rho Sigma fraternity. Dan went on to establish his own practice in Chicago, advocating tirelessly for the chiropractic profession. He served as President of the Illinois Chiropractic Society, was honored as Chiropractor of the Year, and held a seat on the Illinois Hospital Licensing Board. Dr. Dan was often called upon as a strong voice for chiropractic, including periodic television appearances. He practiced until his 70th birthday, often saying he never worked a day in his life because he loved healing others through chiropractic, nutrition, acupuncture, and genuine care for his patients.
In 1967, Dan met Bonnie at a chiropractor-and-nurse mixer. The moment he saw her, he told his friend he would marry her. Six months later, he did. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and love.
After moving from the city to Lake Zurich, Illinois, Dan embraced country life—gardening, raising chickens, and even adopting a potbelly pig named “Toots.” He found community and joy at the Lake Zurich Golf Club (LZGC), where he served as President and held other offices. He treasured the camaraderie, golf, fishing, boating, themed parties, and beautifying the club grounds with fellow members.
A passionate fisherman, Dan loved casting a line whether on Lake Zurich, the Great Lakes, Alaska, or on fly-in trips to remote lakes in Canada with his son, friends, and extended family. His vast collection of tackle and rods grew endlessly in pursuit of the perfect lure.
Even as his health declined, Dr. Dan’s humor and warmth never left him. He loved connecting with people, whether neighbors, friends, or his loving caregivers. When greeted with “It’s good to see you, Dr. Dan,” he would smile and reply, “It’s good to be seen.”
One of Dr. Dan’s favorite ways to relax was sharing a glass of wine with his daughter Rhonda while overlooking his countryside backyard. In those quiet moments he often reflected, “It has been a great life. What more could I ever ask for?”
