Dannil “Dan” Lee Sanchez, 73, reunited with our Heavenly Father Thursday, September 25th, 2026. He has fought a long battle with cancer, and we said our final goodbyes at Box Butte General Hospital.
Dan was born March 22, 1953, in Alliance, Nebraska to Estaban and Macaria. Throughout school Dan was a phenomenal basketball player. One of the best defensive players at just 5’8”. Not only did he show his defensive skills on the court but on the football field as well.
Dan was then married to Katie Lenz and had his eldest son Beau in Texas. Dan and Katie then moved back to Alliance Nebraska and had Spencer and Pierce. Dan was a hard, dedicated worker. Whether it was him managing the grocery store or running a self-made business. Dan never shied away from work and always faced challenges head on.
If you knew Dan, you know that he always knew how the Huskers did. From volleyball to football, and yes even basketball. Always cheering them on no matter how the games are going. He enjoyed watching sports with his kids. Always looking forward to the B.B.Q. on the big game days as well.
If you knew our father, you know that he was a die-hard Husker fan. We ask everyone to join us with Husker apparel. He would have wanted a Husker Nation for his final send off.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents, Estaban Sanchez, Macaria Mart, his brothers, Estaban Jr. and Alex Sanchez and his grandson, Drayden Sanchez
Dan is survived by his sons, Beau (Casey) Sanchez, Spencer (Kolbee) Sanchez, and Pierce (Kelsey) Sanchez, his grandkids, Alejandro, Corbin, Brycen, Isaiah, Lennox, Maddox, Gabriel, Jackson, and Lillith Sanchez, his brothers, John and Felipe Sanchez his sisters, Gloria Vallejo and Rose Vasquez and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews
Memorial services will be Friday, October 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Matt Koperski officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be given in care of the family.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Poem by Pierce Sanchez
Forgive before it’s too late
Love before the hate
Rise above the pain
Let Yeshua flow through your veins
From this life into the next
Your fighting spirit will flow through all our hearts
As you depart, let your love bring us closer
As your words paved a path for us
Your guidance made us better men
Your legacy will carry through your children and ours until the end