Daniel R. Beisner, PhD

Daniel R. Beisner, PhD, age 47, of San Diego, formerly of Weyauwega and Neenah, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Scripps Memorial Hospital after a fall at his home. He was born on September 13, 1976, the son of Terry Weber and Robert Beisner.

Dan graduated from UW-La Crosse in 1997 with an associate degree in zoology. He then continued his education at UW-Madison where he earned his bachelor’s in medical microbiology and immunology. Dan put himself through school by working at Menards both while in La Crosse and Madison. In 2005, he earned his PhD in Immunology from UC San Diego. He stayed out in San Diego to do his Postdoctoral Fellow through UCSD and then was offered a position at Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation as a Research Investigator. After 8 years there, he transitioned into a new role at Vividion Therapeutics, Inc., where he most recently served as the Director of Biology. He had an insatiable appetite for knowledge. In 3^rd grade, he told his parents he was going to be a scientist and wanted to go to school his whole life. He devoted his life to developing treatments and cures for devastating diseases.

On September 14, 2013, Dan married Dr. Catherine Cheng, MD, DO. Together, they were able to travel all over the world, including Peru, Iceland, Japan, Greece, Scotland, Hawaii and more. They enjoyed their short time together and never lost sight of their humble beginnings.

He was an ardent Wisconsin sports fan. He flew back to watch the Bucks win the championship in 2021. Packer games were spent texting back and forth critiquing play and officiating. He loved spending time with family and would come back to Wisconsin a couple times a year to visit, always making sure to get in a round or two of golf and a Badger football game, as well as spending quality time with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Dan was an organ donor. His gift saved/extended the lives of three people, which is something he would be very proud of.

Dan is survived by his wife, Dr. Catherine Cheng, MD, DO of San Diego, CA; mother, Terry (Kevin) Atkins of Edgerton, WI; father, Robert (Mary) Beisner of Weyauwega, WI; brothers: Benjamin (Samantha) Beisner of Stoughton, WI, Timothy (Kjersti Aasen) Beisner of Weyauwega, WI; sister, Kathryn (Justin) Beisner-Doo of Weyauwega, WI.

A Celebration of Life for Dan will be held for close family and friends on January 7, 2024, in San Diego, CA.  Friends may visit www.dahlkefh.com to share memories and condolences with Dan’s family.