Dan was born in Louisville Kentucky. His father was a stern German and gifted engineer whose tragedies, opportunities and marriages led to many unexpected life detours. Great Falls’ Air Base first brought Dan to Montana, but World War II ended and he was discharged to New Jersey.

A job at the New York Times spurred a passion for journalism.  His Great Falls girlfriend came to visit, they married and moved to Missoula for college where Dan’s passions turned to English and philosophy. 

His wife saw an article in the Montana Kaimin student paper about a Radio Guild being formed. Insisting he studied too much and needed something else, she told him to go and “don’t come home unless you’re elected president”. He was hooked.