Daniel Walsh

Daniel Joseph Walsh, 60, of Des Moines, died Tuesday, September 13, 2011, in the I-80 towing accident at the 188-mile marker.

Dan was born July 12, 1951, in Greenfield, IA, and was the son of Howard J. and Mary M. Walsh of West Des Moines.

Dan had a big heart and was a great husband, father, brother, grandfather, father-in-law, uncle and friend. He was the type of person who would do anything for anybody. Dan loved trains, was an avid fan of racing including NASCAR, Sprint and Drag Car racing, and most recently was working towards becoming a master meat smoker. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and cherished his brief time with his granddaughter Payton. Dan was most recently employed by Hanifen Towing Co. for the last 4 years, but has been a lifelong member of the Hanifen family. Prior to that, he worked for CSI for 16 years. Dan loved children and had many extended family who called him grandpa.

Those left to honor Daniel’s memory are his wife, Nonie Kay Walsh of Des Moines; daughter, Shelly Lee (Mike) Grandstaff of Kewanna, IN and granddaughter, Payton Lee Grandstaff; sister, Cathy Smith of Riverside, IA; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jerry and Nancy Jones of Indianola; brother-in-law, Daniel (Susan) Jones of Ackworth,; three nephews, Bryan Smith of Tahalequah, OK, Austin Smith of West Des Moines, Jeremy Jones of Ackworth; three nieces, Nicolette (Donnie) Edwards of Riverside, IA, Danielle Jones and Amanda Jones of Indianola; his second family, Jim and Helen Hanifen, Julie Hanifen and Collin Allen; many aunts and uncles, great nieces, great nephews, friends and extended family. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Mary Walsh.

Memorial services will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, September 17, 2011, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, with inurnment to follow at Glendale Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, September 16 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in loving memory of Dan.

Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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