Passed away peacefully on February 22, 2021. Husband of Judith (nee Stambal), for 54 years. Devoted father of Michael (Jessica), Jennifer, Megan (Fargo), and Jefferson (Colleen). Proud grandfather of Joanna, Jeremy, Niko. Preceded in death by his first wife Mary Derr Torphy, his father, Michael Bryan Torphy, mother Alma Englund Torphy, brothers Michael (Maureen) and John (Helen). Also deeply loved by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Daniel served in the United States Air Force in both active duty and in the Air National Guard for 26 years. After becoming a jet pilot at the age of 22, he decided he wanted to be a doctor and focused on his medical education. The combination of these skills led to his involvement with NASA and working directly with astronauts during their training. He retired as a full Colonel in 1995.
Daniel graduated from the University of Wisconsin Medical School, interned at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, with a residency at University of Washington. During his career, Daniel worked for the Migrant Health Service, USAF at Clark AFB, Maricopa Medical Center, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Project Hope at the Shanghai Children’s Hospital. Teaching pediatrics for nearly 25 years, he made a profound impact on the Milwaukee medical community. Of particular note was his founding of the Milwaukee Downtown Health Center.
Daniel was known for his warm smile, punny sense of humor, kind heart, adventurous spirit, encompassing intellect, and profound curiosity about others and what interested them. A great conversationalist, Daniel read and wrote, observed and contributed, loved and was loved.
Memorial at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin on Monday, March 1, 2021. The visitation will be from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. A memorial service will begin at 6:00 PM and will be live streamed for those unable to attend.