Devoted teammate and gentle giant of the second row.

Daniel Robert Jones, a pillar of the Milwaukee rugby community and one of the earliest members of the Milwaukee Harlequins (now the Milwaukee Barbarians), passed away unexpectedly on April 6, 2025. He was 72 years old.

Dan was a standout athlete long before he donned a Harlequins jersey. At Pius XI Catholic High School, he was a state-champion wrestler. While at Marquette University, he competed as both a wrestler — captaining the team — and a rugby player, laying the groundwork for the physicality, discipline, and toughness that would define his sporting life.

He joined the Harlequins in the summer of 1975 during the club’s formative years. Alongside fellow Marquette alumni Joe McCook, Al Japely, Frank Fantazzi, Gabriel “Gabby” Landazuri, and Chuck Coakley, Dan helped solidify the roster when the club’s future was anything but certain.

1976 Schlitz Invitational Team — **1976 Schlitz Invitational.** *Standing Left to Right:* Dan Ackmann, Phil Japely, Mike Landry, Ken Baker, Jim Orban, **Dan Jones**, John Winderl, Don Zimmermann, Tim Lawler, Doug Hensley, Mike Bliick, Mark Gabrich, Tom Drysdale, Joe McCook, Mike Mooney, Joe Kloiber. *Kneeling Left to Right:* Chuck Coakley, Ken Kordus, Mike Swank, Bill McKeown, Dave Ackmann, Tim Walsh, John Jeffrey. *Sitting Left to Right:* Dave Brienzo, Al Japely, Jim Schell, Tim McNulty, Pat Lawler.

His presence both on and off the field helped lay the foundation for what would become one of the Midwest’s most enduring rugby communities.

Known for his hard play and cool head, Dan was the kind of teammate who made others better just by being on the pitch. He played second row, anchoring the pack with teammates Mark Gabrich (1955-2009), Mike Gabrich (1959-2024), and Mark Krenek — collectively known as “The Jones Boys” — whether or not they shared a surname.

In 1978, Dan was honored as Rugger of the Year, a testament to his impact as a player. He was elected club president the following year in 1979. He also returned to Marquette to coach the wrestling team, continuing his leadership from the sidelines.

1978 Harlequins — *Back Row:* Bill Nesbitt, Jan Constable, Greg Stys, Todd Boyce, Mark Pfaller, Tim Lawler, Jan Fourie, Mike Blick, **Dan Jones**, Mark Gabrich, Joe McCook, Bud Steele. *Middle Row:* Dan Brienzo, Joe Kloiber, Chuck Coakley, Dean Olson, Bob Schuster, Marty Mulgrew, Zip Zimmermann, Bob Kettenhefer, Robben Gingery, Andy Kopplin, John Jeffrey, Joe Landry, Ken Duveneck, Joe Schuster, Duff Hensley. *Kneeling:* Tim MeNulty, Jeff Calhoun, David Brienzo, John Fetherston, Bob Garcia, Frank Krejci, Mike Swank, Bob Schmeta, Pat Rank. *Sitting:* Mike (left lateral decubitis), Jim Orban.

One of his lasting rugby contributions was the creation of the Harlequins yearbook. Working with teammate Dan Kramer, the tradition ran from 1975 through 1981 and preserved the club’s early stories, spirit, and sense of community for future generations.

Even after hanging up his boots, Dan remained an active and beloved member of the rugby family. He was a regular at Six Nations watch parties and was a constant at socials and reunions. He believed passionately in having a positive outlook for his rugby and wrestling teammates and friends.

Dan Jones was more than a teammate. He was a friend, a builder, and a keeper of the club’s soul. He will be missed deeply by all who had the privilege to play beside him, raise a pint with him, or hear one of his stories.

Fair winds, Dan. You were one of the originals, and you will never be forgotten.

A visitation and Mass will be helped at on May 16 at the Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee (details).