Dana Kevin Sindelar, PhD

Dana Kevin Sindelar was born to Thomas and Karen Sindelar in Lincoln, Nebraska, and passed at his home in Indianapolis, Indiana at the age of 55.

He graduated from Billings West High (Montana) in 1988, and attended the University of South Dakota (Vermillion), earning a dual Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry in 1992. Accepted into the Vanderbilt University Molecular Endocrinology Training Program, Dana completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics in August of 1997. His dissertation was entitled The Direct and Indirect Effects of Insulin on Hepatic Glucose Production in Vivo. During his time at Vanderbilt, Dana was author/co-author of 19 medical publications. His post doctoral research was conducted at the University of Washington and at the Veteran Affairs Hospital in Seattle.

In 2000, Dana joined Eli Lilly as a Research Scientist in Indianapolis. He was author/co-author on 44 medical publications during his 25 years at Lilly. He retired in June of 2025. Becoming a Type I Diabetic at 5 years of age drove Dana’s passion throughout his career in endocrine research.

Dana spent his free time on home improvement projects, hunting, fishing, skiing and tending his garden. He was deeply involved in German Shorthair Pointer rescue work, helping over three dozen dogs find loving homes. Dana was devoted to his beloved GSP companions; they brought him solace and joy. In 2023, he had begun implementing his retirement plan by purchasing a home in Laramie, Wyoming to pursue his passions in the west.

Dana was a brilliant scientist, an avid outdoorsman, and a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. May he rest in peace.

A celebration of Dana’s life will be held in May 2026 in Indianapolis. More details will be forthcoming.

If you would like to honor Dana, please consider a donation to his favorite causes: Ohio GSP Rescue, Pheasants Forever, Trout Unlimited and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The Sindelar family wishes to express our gratitude to Dana’s co-workers, neighbors and friends in the Indianapolis and Laramie areas. Your kindness and help have been very much appreciated in our time of sorrow.

In Loving Memory of Dana Sindelar

Former Trainees | Vanderbilt Diabetes Center

Arrangements Handled by Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Royster-Askin-Sandrock, 2310 W Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222. 

Online condolences at www.bellmortuary.com