Supporting Students & Athletes in Memory of Dan Markwardt
The Dan Markwardt Memorial Foundation is a local, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in memory of the Lodi Blue Devils' greatest fan and contributor, Dan Markwardt. Its mission is to provide charitable support for Lodi students and athletes through scholarships and support of Lodi athletics.
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2026 Scholarship Recipients
The Dan Markwardt Memorial Foundation (DMMF) is pleased to announce the 2026 DMMF scholarship winners: Alex Breunig and Taylor Reese! Congratulations to these deserving Lodi High School seniors!
Alex Breunig
The son of Rachel and Landon Breunig, Alex has been an active student-athlete throughout his time at Lodi High School, participating in football, wrestling, and baseball. This fall, he plans to attend the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire to study Biomedical Engineering. Alex values the lessons and memories created through athletics and teamwork. He encourages future LHS student-athletes to enjoy every moment with their teammates and classmates, believing that both challenges and successes help shape who they become. One of his most memorable high school experiences was winning a state championship in football.
He also shared a meaningful memory of Dano during an important basketball game, when Dano encouraged him and his friends to celebrate a game-winning shot. Looking back, Alex says the moment taught him the importance of appreciating and embracing the positive moments shared with others.
Congratulations Alex on your selection as a 2026 DMMF Scholarship recipient!
Taylor Reese
The daughter of Andy and Samantha Reese, Taylor has been a dedicated student-athlete throughout her time at Lodi High School. She participated in basketball and softball all four years of high school and also served as secretary of the National Honor Society. After graduation, Taylor plans to attend Edgewood University to pursue a degree in nursing. Taylor believes that positivity, kindness, and hard work are the qualities that leave the greatest impact on others. She encourages future LHS student-athletes to focus not only on achievements, but also on being supportive and uplifting people. Her favorite high school memories came from playing softball alongside her best friends and creating lasting friendships through athletics.
Taylor shared fond memories of Dano from attending Lodi football games as a child with her father. She remembers Dano joking with her dad about his football days and recalls his unforgettable laugh and positive spirit. These moments reflect the joy and connection Dano brought to the Lodi community and the lasting impression he made on those around him.
Congratulations Taylor on your selection as a 2026 DMMF Scholarship recipient!
Thank You for Supporting Lodi Athletics
The DMMF would like to thank everyone who continues to support the Foundation via donations to make the annual scholarships possible. Through your generosity, Dano's memory and Blue Devil pride lives on. Congratulations again to Alex and Taylor and also the entire Lodi Blue Devil class of 2026!
#LODIPRIDE
Past Recipients
2025
- Ava Ballweg
- Tony Omosebi
2024
- Brady Puls
- Mason Lane
2023
- Abby Haas
- Paul Lins
2022
- Owen Wendt
- Ella Puls
2021
- Greg Lins
- Claire Kerr
2020
- Logan Richards
- Morgan McNeill
About Dano
Dan Markwardt, who was affectionately known as "Dano" throughout the Lodi community, is the beloved namesake of the Dan Markwardt Memorial Foundation. A lifelong resident of Lodi and proud 1994 graduate of Lodi High School, Dano dedicated his life to supporting the students, athletes, and spirit of his hometown.
Dano served for years as an athletic manager at Lodi High School, giving his time and heart to countless teams. His dedication earned him a place alongside some of the most successful squads in Lodi history, including the 2017 State Champion Blue Devil football team and the 2013 and 2014 state runner-up basketball teams. Lodi's own Hall of Fame football coach Dave Puls once called him "the king of all Lodi athletics" - Dano was not just a supporter—he was the Blue Devils' biggest fan.
While he loved Blue Devil athletics, Dano's true passion was the people. He cherished the camaraderie with students, the laughter shared on bus rides, and the joy of being part of something bigger than himself. His jokes were legendary, and his presence made every team feel more like a family. Athletes, coaches, and students alike were better for having known Dano.
Beyond the field, Dano was a familiar and friendly face around town—at local restaurants, church, and downtown businesses. He seemed to know everyone, and everyone knew him. Residents of Lodi and Okee were always happy to give him a ride, often resulting in a few laughs and a good story. His warmth was infectious, his kindness unforgettable.
In a Wisconsin State Journal article shortly after Dano's passing, Coach Cody Endres said it best:
"He showed how to be kind to all, care for everyone you see, and love your community. No one did those three things better than Dano."
Dano passed away in 2019 at the age of 45, leaving a void in the hearts of many. Though gone too soon, his legacy lives on through the Dan Markwardt Memorial Foundation and all who strive to live with the same love, humor, and loyalty that Dano brought to every day.
#LODIPRIDE
