John Marshall "Dan" Haerle, Jr. attended Coe College, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education, and then North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas), earning a Master's Degree in Music Composition.

What followed was a career that spanned over six decades and included significant contributions as both a musician and educator. As a composer and performer, Dan was fortunate enough to perform all over the world during his career.

Dan did extensive recording and show work in Dallas, Miami Beach, and New York, and his compositions and arrangements became standards in the jazz repertoire. He worked with jazz legends Clark Terry, Pat Metheny, Stan Kenton, Mel Torme, Jamey Aebersold, Al Jarreau, Dave Liebman, Woody Shaw, Kai Winding, Chris Connor, and Freddie Hubbard.

As an educator, Dan began his career teaching elementary, middle, and high school band in What Cheer, Iowa. He then taught at Kansas State University Manhattan, Monterey Peninsula College, University of Miami Coral Gables, and Arizona State University before landing at the University of North Texas (then called North Texas State University) in 1977.

Dan was a faculty member in the Jazz Studies Division of the College of Music at the University of North Texas for 25 years, was appointed Regents Professor in 1992, and Professor Emeritus in 2007 after his retirement.

Dan is survived by his wife of 36 years Jill Haerle, daughter and son-in-law, and two grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the John M. Haerle Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of North Texas School of Music.

A Celebration of Life honoring Dan will be held this summer, with details released by the family at a later date.