Obituary of Daniel R. Unk

CUYAHOGA FALLS - Dan Unk died on April 13, 2012 after a feisty three year battle with leukemia. Dan was born on November 8, 1945 in Akron, Ohio, the son of the late Raymond and Maxine Unk. Dan is survived by Lois (Mellion), his high school sweetheart, best friend, confidante and wife of 43 years. Lois helped Dan achieve much more than he would have ever expected; sister Judy (Grant) Joyce; nieces Janay (Crawford) Ward and Molly Joyce; daughter Lisa (Brian) Smole; son Brian (Elizabeth) Unk and Dan’s all time favorites, his grandchildren Quinton and Daniel Smole and Isabelle and Jonathan Unk. Dan was a 1963 graduate of St. Vincent’s High School. While at St. V.’s, Dan played basketball and excelled in track. At one time, he held school records in four different events. At the city championships, Dan set records in both the pole vault and 880 yard run. Dan briefly attended Miami University, and found that college life was not for him. He was quickly drafted into the U.S. Army. After returning from fifteen months in Vietnam, Dan married Lois, and shortly after, began what would become a forty plus year career in the custom rubber mixing business. Dan spent twelve years learning his trade at the Nolan Douglas Co. In 1983 he started his own company, Rainbow Mastermixing, Inc. At Rainbow, Dan created jobs and improved people’s lives. His employees became great friends. Rainbow recently celebrated its 29 year anniversary. Dan and Lois would like to give special thanks to: the entire Mellion family and Judy and Grant Joyce, who supported him throughout this interesting journey; for their consistent care and professionalism over the past three years, Dr. Jennifer Payne, Dr. Anjali Advani, Dr. Matt Kalaycio, nurse and special friend Ricki Englehaupt; everyone at Summa’s Cooper Cancer Center for their dedication and friendship, they became like loving family. Dan enjoyed playing poker, gin (particularly with his dad), golf, bass fishing and the occasional off-shore sports wager (for amusement purposes only). Friends are invited to Redmon Funeral Home for visitation Tuesday 6 to 8 PM. Mass of the Christian Burial Wednesday 11 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1905 Portage Trail in Cuyahoga Falls. PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Summa’s Cooper Cancer Center, 161 North Forge Street, Akron 44304. Dan’s video tribute may be viewed here. (REDMON, STOW, 330-688-6631)