Daniel Edward Bienlien, USN (Retired) (June 2018)

Daniel Edward Bienlien of Springfield, Virginia passed away Wednesday, May 30, 2018. He was a native of Holstein, Iowa until his acceptance to the United States Naval Academy in 1960. Upon commissioning in 1964, Dan was designated as a Naval Aviator and served two tours in Vietnam, retiring after 20 years of honorable and meritorious service. Following military service he spent the next several years as a defense contractor in the Washington, DC area, finally retiring for a life of family, especially seeing grandkids off to start their lives, and golf. He has resided in Northern Virginia since 1978.

Dan will be remembered most as a loving and dedicated husband to his beautiful wife, of 55 years, Patricia. Also as a father full of love and passion, and a grandfather full of wisdom, while also a best friend to many. Many will miss him, but rest assured he will be watching over us and guiding each of us daily. He will still be rooting for Navy Football, the Yankees, watching golf and eating stove top popcorn while drinking white-boxed wine.

Dan is survived by his wife, Patricia, their two sons, Timothy and James, five grandchildren, Patrick, Daniel, Erika, Steven and Michael, two great-grandchildren, Ethan and Addison, and his brother, James Francis. All friends and family are invited to services that will be held on June 5, 2 p.m., at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Rd, Springfield, VA. Published in The Washington Post on June 3, 2018