Daniel D. Grindle

Daniel Dea Grindle was born November 21, 1942 in Fort Riley, Kansas to Daniel M. and Alma (Schwandt) Grindle. He moved to Des Moines when he was 12 years old. He was the oldest of three siblings. Dan loved fishing and being outdoors as a child. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1960. He joined the National Guard as a mechanic right after high school. It was during this time that he began to skydive. He continued this sport well into his adult life. He began working at Firestone in 1969 as a tire builder. He worked in this capacity for 18 years. He transitioned into the Scheduling Department, from where he retired in 2006. Dan was a music lover and enjoyed listening to all kinds of music. During his retirement, he enjoyed playing games online. He was an avid fisherman and took annual fishing trips to Ely, MN for over 20 years. Dan met Frances Bernard, the love of his life, in 1982, and they were married in 1985 in Marshalltown, IA. They loved attending skydiving events all over the US. Dan was a professional Skydiver, Instructor, and Jumpmaster with over 3,000 skydives. His expertise was recognized internationally and he made many exhibition jumps into major sporting events, including football games at Jack Trice Stadium. Dan was an original member of the Des Moines Skydivers.

Dan passed away Friday, March 20, 2020 at the age of 77. Cremation will occur and there will be no services held at this time.

He is survived by his wife, Fran of Des Moines; sons, Kerry Johnson of Des Moines and Mark (Dana) Grindle of Penn Laird, VA; siblings, Jon (Susan) Grindle of Sierra Vista, AZ and Mary Wacome of Des Moines; and his many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sons, Matthew and Martin.

He lived life to its fullest and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Dan.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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