The Rev. Daniel “Dan” Brosier died on February 16, 2025, at the age of 71 (1953-2025).
Dan was born on April 14, 1953, in Midland MI, to James Sam Brosier and Emily Catharine Brosier. A high-achieving student, he graduated in the top 10% of his high school class and served as Student Council President. He went to Michigan State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1976. After college, he worked at Interlochen Arts Academy in northern Michigan, starting as a dormitory counselor and later advancing to Dean of Students. From 1984–1986, Dan worked as a preschool teacher at Skytown Preschool in Berkeley CA. He then worked as a church gardener and assistant sexton at the First Unitarian Church in Berkeley before earning his Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry in 1987. Dan had long felt called to the UU ministry. As a UU minister, his calling was to support the development of others and encourage theological exploration. Whether through Sunday services, Life Span Religious Education, one-on-one counseling, committee meetings, retreats, social gatherings, or the everyday activities of the community, he sought to nurture spiritual growth and connection.
The Rev. Brosier was ordained to the UU ministry by the First Unitarian Church of Worcester MA on November 15, 1987. The following year (1988), he accepted a call from the UU Church of Elgin IL, where he would serve until 2013. Under his leadership, the congregation experienced a profound transformation, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration. The whole attitude of the congregation changed for the better. He was a vibrant and inspirational leader to the congregation; he encouraged open dialogue and helped members work through their differences. He played a key role in the development of the church’s social concerns committee. During his tenure, several building projects were undertaken; he even served as a general contractor during construction efforts and was the only contractor of their current building. In recognition of his decades of dedicated service, the Elgin church honored him as their minister emeritus in 2013.
The Rev. Brosier was an excellent preacher and a very personable minister. He could listen to others and make them feel heard, valued, and affirmed. He brought a sense of steadiness to his ministry and found deep fulfillment in helping and working alongside others, embracing his ministry as a path of service and shared discovery.
In addition to his parish ministry, Rev. Brosier provided his services to the broader denomination. He was a member of the UUMA and the Extension Committee of the Pacific Central District (1986). He served as an Administrative Assistant to the Pacific Central District (1986) and contributed to the Central Midwest District’s RE Committee (1991–1994). In 1993, the Rev. Brosier served the CMD UUMMA Chapter Nominating Committee and took on the role of Youth Minister for the Chapter.
In the Elgin community, Dan was a charter member of the Board of Trustees of the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin and a member of the Elgin Interracial Clergy Alliance. His dedication to social justice extended to his roles on the Domestic Violence Advisory Board, where he served as a Domestic Violence Chaplain, offering support to those in need. He was a member of the At-Risk Youth Program Committee, the Literacy Advisory Council, and the U-46 School District’s Clergy Council.
Dan found joy in nature and cherished time spent fishing. His love for the outdoors reflected his deep appreciation for the environment, a value he carried throughout his life. He also had a sweet tooth and never missed an opportunity to enjoy his favorite treats. Traveling brought him great happiness, and he treasured every moment exploring new places with loved ones. Above all else, Dan valued time with his family, creating countless memories filled with laughter and love.
Dan’s wife Katherine, shared: “A favorite quote of his was, ‘Stay the course’. He was truly a steadying presence for the church and for his family.” Dan is survived by his wife of 37 years, Katherine; and his children: Emma (Aaron) and Sam (Sara).
A memorial gathering was held at 3 pm on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the UU Church of Elgin, 39W830 Highland Ave, Elgin IL 60124. Notes of condolence may be written here.
Memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Notes of condolences may be written here. UURMaPA contributed to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.