Published on May 1, 2025 4:22 pm
Last Updated on May 1, 2025 4:22 pm
Daniel Overbeck, 75, of Effingham, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 10 am at Christ’s Church in Effingham with private burial in Oakridge Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 7 pm on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Dan was an avid sports fan and requested that those attending the visitation wear their favorite team jersey or shirt. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to Sigel St. Michael Athletics and Sacred Heart School Booster Club. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Dan was born on November 30, 1949, the son of Robert and Eileen (Andes) Overbeck. He married Donna (Brown) Overbeck on June 7, 1991. Dan dedicated his work life to helping others. His first job in the medical field was at the age of 16 as an orderly at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital. He joined the U.S. Navy and served as a medic. After serving in the military, he worked at Bauer Funeral Home’s ambulance service and then the City of Effingham’s ambulance service. In 1982, Dan and Mike Schabbing established and owned Effingham City-County Ambulance Service. Dan prided himself on providing paramedic services in our community. After retiring from the ambulance service, Dan continued to serve in the medical field at Apria Health Care. When asked how he could handle responding to emergency calls, he said he always reminded himself that this person needs help. Although Dan was dedicated to his profession, he still found plenty of time to have fun. Dan lived life to the fullest with his wife, Donna, by his side. The couple spent their time golfing, biking, camping, kayaking, canoeing, bowling, rappelling, playing racquetball, traveling, and playing cards. Dan and Donna spent many days at the golf course, and Dan was a proud member of the “Old Codgers” Club at Fore-Way Golf Course. Although Dan loved golf, his first passion was always fast pitch softball. Dan played for the U.S. Navy and several area teams. He was recently inducted into the Illinois Fast Pitch Hall of Fame. Over his 40-year career, Dan was a strike-out pitcher and was known for his wicked change-up and rise ball. His pitching earned him invitations to several state and national tournaments. However, his greatest joy was cheering on his children and his grandchildren. He rarely missed a basketball game, baseball game, volleyball game, track meet, cross country meet, piano recital, dance recital, theatre performance, or band concert. Dan was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Illini basketball fan. If there was a game on television, you could bet he would be watching it from his recliner, usually with grandchildren by his side.
Dan will be remembered by his wife, Donna; his children, Michele and Bill Damron, Brent and Krissy Overbeck, Kelly and Aaron Edwards, Kim and Terry Jansen, and Jill and Ryan Worman; his grandchildren, Gary and Casey Damron, Lexi and Chris Meier, Mason Overbeck, Nicholas Wiedman, Nora, Reuben and Hannah Jansen, and Davin, Riley and Logan Worman; his first wife, Judy Overbeck; his brothers and sisters, Bob and Ann Overbeck, Mary and Don Klein, Ron and Cindy Overbeck, Bill and Kathy Overbeck, and Donnie Overbeck; a loving extended family; and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jim; and his niece, Gina Clark.