Obituaries

Milo Danzeisen Obituary

Milo Lawrence Danzeisen died July 20, 2025. He was born when all the world was young, in a Michigan farmhouse on March 4, 1931—a time of innocence and hardship shaped by the Great Depression. Born to Carl Valentine Danzeisen and Frieda Lorena (Magsig) Danzeisen, Milo arrived unexpectedly as a twin. His birth was a surprise, but life soon taught him that time is never guaranteed. When his twin brother, Mendel, passed away at just seven years old, the loss stayed with Milo always, instilling in him a deep appreciation for every breath, every day, every year.

He grew up on a farm where hard work was expected, but he’d much rather pitch baseballs than pitch manure—the farm fields taught him grit, but the pitcher’s mound was where his heart belonged.

Milo attended Eastern Michigan University, where he played baseball with his lifelong friend Ron Oestrike, a paragon of Midwestern baseball. More importantly, at EMU, he met Chrissie MacDonald, a bright, spirited woman whose love for Shakespeare and Scotland—her parents emigrated from the Outer Hebrides—matched his own passion for baseball, bridge, and ballroom dancing. They dated as undergraduates, both members of the Stoic Club (All A’s), before life took them on separate paths. Milo earned his DDS at the University of Michigan, and Chrissie earned her Master of Education there as well.

Milo served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Zweibrücken, Germany, where he refined his skills as a dentist while experiencing life abroad. His career later took him even farther—he was among the first American dentists to visit Russia, a pioneering journey that reflected his curiosity, professionalism, and adventurous spirit. After the Army, fate reunited him with Chrissie—some love stories are simply meant to be.

They married in 1961, settled in Sylvania, Ohio, and raised a family while becoming stalwarts of the local community. Milo carried his steady hands from the pitcher’s mound to the dental chair, building a respected career. But baseball always remained at his core. He coached his sons’ Little League teams, joined years of spring trips with the EMU Hurons/Eagles and Coach Oestrike, and was a perennial Toledo Mud Hens ticket holder. He and Chrissie loved nothing more than watching a game from the stands. A devoted fan of both the Detroit Tigers and the Cincinnati Reds, he appreciated the art of the game—from the Little Leagues to the Big Leagues.

In the seventh inning of his baseball life, Milo founded Dr. D’s, a local Federation team filled with homegrown talent. Dr. D’s became a frequent contender in the National Amateur Baseball Federation World Series in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Milo’s other great athletic passion was jogging. He credited Ken Cooper, MD, the “Father of Aerobics,” with instilling the discipline that kept him moving. Milo ran the Glass City Marathon long before running marathons became trendy.

Later in life, he discovered a new creative passion: painting. Whether throwing a fastball, perfecting a filling, or capturing beauty on canvas, Milo had an artist’s touch. As the years passed, he and Chrissie embraced life fully—traveling the world, cruising oceans, wandering Europe, exploring everywhere curiosity led them. Their golden years were filled with adventure, joy, and above all, family. With seven beloved grandchildren, Milo found deep happiness in watching their lives unfold—sharing his wisdom, laughter, and love.

To quote Baseball Hall of Fame Manager and friend Jim Leyland: “In baseball and in life, all a guy can do is try his best and have fun doing it.” Milo lived with heart and gave his best—on and off the field and in and out of the dental chair. He carried the spirit of the game and his profession with him always, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and kindness.

Milo is survived by his children: David (Kathryn), John, Kevin (Wendi), and Julie (Mark); and seven grandchildren: Gabrielle, Sophia, Logan, Annalise, Lexi, Chrissie, and Ian. He is also survived by many beloved Danzeisen and MacDonald relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Frieda; his brothers Mendel and Gene; his daughter Catherine; and his wife of 55 years, Chrissie MacDonald Danzeisen.

Family and friends may visit on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Olivet Lutheran Church, 5840 Monroe St., with an hour of visitation prior. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. Donations in Milo’s honor can be made to Olivet Lutheran Church, and Sylvania Area Family Services.

When asked what he wanted to be remembered for, Milo said:

“I did the best I could—raising my family with Chrissie, taking care of teeth, making smiles, supporting my community, and of course… throwing strikes.”