Daniel Walsh
September 13, 2011
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
Beth Bolen
02/10/2012
I am very sorry i am just getting around to doing this. My uncle was Jim Langholf who was also killed in the accident. From reading articles about Dan he seems alot like my Uncle Jim. Family meant the world to Uncle Jim and he lived for his kids, his wife and extended family. He did everything in his power to be all he could for them and to support him. We miss him very much, as im sure you miss Dan. He sounds like he was an amazing man. I pray every night for all of the families that were affected by this horrible, tragic accident. I will continue to pray for your family as well. God Bless
The Traum of IL
09/20/2011
Our condolences to your family at this time. The Dakota man that was killed was our cousin, and he too would give you the shirt off his back. God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Bruce Breuer
09/19/2011
Please accept our heartfelt condolences for the loss of Dan
Bruce, Shari,Brian &Buzz
Breuer Wrecker Service
Marlene Herny
09/16/2011
Nonie,
I was so very very sorry to hear of your loss. You and Shelly
are in my prayers. What a void Dan will leave, he was quite the
guy. I'm sure he and Dad are up there trading tall stories and
reminiscing about the racing days.
Marv and Amanda Grandstaff
09/16/2011
Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are. We pray that God wraps his arms around you all as you grieve. As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens. If there is anything we can do for any of you, please let us know! Our hearts go out to you and we love you all very much!
Clayton and Denise Vogel
09/16/2011
Nonie, we are so very sorry at the loss of Dan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this tough time. He was such a wonderful though sometimes grumpy man. :) That is what we liked about Dan. He was always such a great friend and he will be missed so much. We will never ever forget him and you know if there is EVER anything we can do to help you get through these tough times all you have to do is pick up the phone and call. At times like this we wish we lived closer to you. We will see you on Saturday. Keep the faith and God Bless you and your family.
Love Clayton and Denise
Raytown, MO
Michael Coleman
09/16/2011
Dan,
I wish I would have met you a long time ago, I very much enjoyed conversations with you, and the views we shared on so many subjects is what I dont have with many people I know. I share now with your family, the deep sorrow of your absence. You were an awesome man to have my life, I love and respect you...
Brian Blackford
09/16/2011
I had the great pleasure of working with Dan at Midwest Ready Mix for over 10 years. He was a highly skilled driver and a professional in all respects.
Dan was a friend to all and a Good Man. I will miss him. My deepest condolances to the family. We will all miss him dearly but can cherish the memories of this truly good Man.
Kathi Klootwyk Sivyer
09/16/2011
Nonie and family,
My heart goes out to you during this tragic time in your life. Remember that even though Dan is no longer on this worldly plain, he will forever be in your hearts as well as those who love him. Although he left you way too soon, he will always be with you, watching over you, and guiding you.
I know that there have been times in the past that have proven to be trials in your lives, remember that your strength and faith carried you through that and will also carry you through this.
My deepest sympathy and condolences,
Kathi
terri wireman and family
09/15/2011
Shelly
we are so very sorry for your loss. i know all to well what its like to lose one of your parents. its probably one of the hardest things you will ever have to deal with in your lifetime. just know that im always here if you ever need to just vent. if u or mike need anything just give me a ring. i love you like like i do my own sisters, always know that. you guys hurt, we hurt. we love you guys. see you when you get back and e drive safe. we love you.
Denise Melby
09/16/2011
My sincere condolences to you and your family Nonie. Dan will be missed greatly.
I am always here with a shoulder to lean on if you need it. I love you my friend. :)
Ro & Mike Allen
09/15/2011
Oh Nonie & Family, We are SO VERY SORRY for your loss of Dan. Evidently God has some plans and needs Dan assistance right now. Dan was such a Warm & Loving & Fun person. He will be Greatly missed:'( Nonie, We plan on coming Friday, we hope to see you then. If you need anything anytime, just call and I'm a good listener and I'll just listen. Even if you just want to cry. Remember...you have a lot of people here for you. Don't be shy, were ALL here for YOU! We LOVE YOU and your in our thoughts & prayers<3<3 XOXO, a lot of HUGS comin your way<3<3
Kim Steele
09/14/2011
Shelly, Mike and family. We may be miles apart right now, just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you. The Grandstaff Family, Grandma Jeanne, Dad and Polly, Steve,Kim, Jake and Steven, Brett, Bree and Easton.
Shelly McCreery
09/14/2011
Nonie,
I am so sorry to hear about Dan, I am still in shock, as I know you are and Shelly. My kids love you and Dan very much. He will be greatly missed. All my blessing, Shelly
Jenelle Patterson
09/14/2011
To my lifetime friend - You and Shelly are both in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and comfort with each other and know that Dan will always be the guardian angel watching over all three of you. Grab each other in a tight hug and know I am there hugging you too.
We Love You Aunt Joey.
Jenelle, Ronnie, and Crystal.