Daniel Joseph Wissmann

Senior Master Sergeant Daniel Joseph Wissmann, age 37 of New Braunfels, TX, passed away at Brooke Army Medical Center on Thursday, May 1, 2025, following a year-long battle with brain cancer. He was surrounded by family, listening to his favorite playlist. Although he left us far too soon, he lived by the words of his anthem this past year, “It’s a great day to be alive,” making the most of every single day and leaving an army of family, friends, and friends-like-family around the world. 

Daniel was born on August 8, 1987, in New Braunfels, TX to David and Pamela Wissmann and grew up in Schertz, TX. As a child he trained in karate, enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending summers with family in Gonzales, TX. He graduated from Samuel Clemens High School in 2005, serving all four years in the Air Force JROTC, and continued his education through the U.S. Air Force, receiving an Associate degree in Construction Technology and Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. 

Just a few months after high school graduation, Daniel entered the U.S. Air Force where he, at 19 years and 6 months of service, achieved his top rank of Senior Master Sergeant. His career in Civil Engineering Structures took him to Japan, Okinawa, Hawaii, Kansas, Guam (twice), three tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, and numerous TDY tours for training and humanitarian missions. At his last permanent duty station, he was appointed to the Inspector General’s team as Readiness Exercise Superintendent. Throughout his career, SMSgt Wissmann was a committed volunteer and received numerous designations and awards, including the John L. Levitow Award and Air Force, Army and Navy commendation medals.

Daniel filled his spare time with adventure – snowboarding on Mt. Fuji, competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and rugby, Crossfit, scuba diving, snorkeling, spearfishing, ultimate frisbee, and hiking, from the Na Pali Coast to trails across Texas. In recent years, he found joy and camaraderie hashing with his beloved Agana Hash House Harriers in Guam. A loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys and UT Longhorns, Daniel enjoyed watching football games with enthusiasm, regardless of the score or time zone difference. He loved cooking and eating, sharing a cold beer with family and friends, and embraced his “ginger” identity, inspiring beard envy among many with his red locks. During his many years stationed in the Pacific, he fell in love with island life – his happy place was near the ocean, especially parked on a beach or in the water. No matter where in the world his work and adventures took him, there was no doubt Daniel was a proud Texan at heart and deeply cherished his time on the Wissmann Family Ranch. 

His strong and determined nature was equally matched by a positive and fun-loving spirit. Daniel was always up for anything and never met a stranger. With a mischievous twinkle in his eye and hilarious sense of humor, he was cracking jokes until the very end. Above all, he cared for people - in his personal and professional life - and was a mentor and friend to many. 

Daniel is survived by his parents, David and Pamela Wissmann, grandparents, Evelyn “Granny” Surovec and Virginia “Nana” Wissmann, sister Holly Wissmann (partner Fabian Martinez), cousin-like-a-brother Tyler Ellis (wife Katy Ferrero), partner Emily Snider, and their beloved fur babies Roscoe, Peanut and Daisy. He will be remembered dearly by aunts and uncles Lori Ellis, Bill Wissmann, Robert Wissmann, Patricia and Michael Roberts, Susie and Forby Harper, Ginny Carey, Linda Johnson, Blanche Wissmann, and numerous cousins, friends and fans around the world. Daniel is preceded in death by grandparents Frank “Pawpaw” Surovec, George “Pawpaw” Wissmann, and Dorothy “Meemaw” and Gentry “Pawpaw” Garner.

Our family would like to give special thanks to all medical and support staff teams at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), his partner Emily and friends who helped Daniel achieve the best quality of life possible while fighting his disease. 

A Memorial Visitation for Daniel will be held Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Schertz, TX, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will take place Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, followed by 1:30 PM Interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery and Reception and Celebration of Life at Mikulski Hall. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Daniel’s memory to the Glioblastoma Foundation, Guahan Paws for Pets, Air Force Wounded Warrior (Non-Governmental Organization Program), or Breakthrough Central Texas.