Daniel Elliot Stuntz was born on March 15, 1909 in Milford, Ohio. He received his B.S. degree from the University of Washington in 1935 and his Ph. D. from Yale in 1940. After 18 years of teaching, he was made Professor of Botany at the University of Washington, a position he kept until his death in 1983.

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In addition to being a dedicated teacher of Botany and Mycology, his efforts helped establish the fungal herbarium at the University of Washington and his interest as bibliophile became a legacy of numerous rare books on Botany to the University. Indeed, his many interests as musician, composer, and gourmand, as well as his devotion to sharing his knowledge, time, and unending energy teaching mycology to students and the general public for 40 years, inspired widespread respect, affection, and love. It is to honor such a man and his life's work that the Stuntz Foundation was established.