Daniel J. McClannahan
June 14, 2012
Daniel John McClannahan, 61, died unexpectedly on Thursday, June 14, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center from heart failure. He was born August 9, 1950, to Gene and Joyce McClannahan in Logan, Iowa.
Daniel graduated from West Harrison High School in Mondamin, and earned his bachelor of science in physical education with a minor in economics from Morningside College in Sioux City. In the summer of 1972, he signed as a free agent for the New England Patriots and later began his long career as a football coach. Daniel was an assistant football coach for Morningside College and then for Cherokee Washington High School. Daniel found his home at Humboldt High School where he became the head coach and taught for 20 years. In 1999, he moved to Des Moines where he became the athletic director for Hoover High School. In 2010, Daniel began his new endeavor as the Wellness Center Coordinator for Des Moines Public Schools.
Daniel had an ambitious and distinguished career. He took his teams to the Iowa High School 3A Football playoffs six times and won the North Central Conference three times. He was a current member of the Iowa Football Coaches Association Board of Directors, former President of the Iowa Football Coaches Association, assistant and head coach for the Iowa Shrine Football Game in 1991 and 1997, and current board member of the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association. In 1998, Daniel was inducted into the Iowa Football Coaches Hall of Fame and received the Distinguished Service Award for the Iowa Football Coaches Association in 2011.
Daniel will be remembered for his life off the field as well. He enjoyed teaching social studies and spending time with his family at the lake. Daniel was a member of the United Methodist Church, currently attending Aldersgate United Methodist Church. He was a self-motivated and dedicated man to his profession, his faith, and his family.
Daniel is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara; children, Megan (James) Abens and Andrew (Ana) McClannahan; grandchildren; Alexander, Dalia, Adeline, Elizabeth, and Manny; parents, Gene and Joyce McClannahan; brother, Don (Pam) McClannahan; sisters, Gleean (Don) Coates and Gena (Kevin) Gwin; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a host of other family and beloved friends.
A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 18, 2012, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 3600 75th Street in Urbandale. A visitation will be held 3 to 7 p.m., Sunday, June 17, 2012, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Per his wishes, his body has been cremated prior to visitation and services.
Memorial contributions may be given to the family to be designated at a later date.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Dalia McClannahan
12/09/2017
I loved my grandpa so much I just I
Got to say goodbye to my grandpa. It's was hard to get over it I was little so I don't remember alot about him.but I remember he was a loving person and was super proud of everyone and he loves his family even today and I know gave hope too everyone
Elizabeth McClannahan
01/16/2017
I was thinking of him today. And the nights that me and my brother would sleep over and we would go in the living room waiting for dinner to be ready, playing a tetris or playing a dice game on a tablet. I miss him so much he was so wise and smart. He was the nicest sweetest person I have ever meant. I miss you so much grandpa. I think about you everyday I love you so much!
Brenda Alton Morgan
07/06/2012
My sincere sympathy goes to the entire McClannahan family. I have many fond memories of Danny from our high school years and was greatly saddened to hear of his passing.
Darrel & Verla Hinrichs
06/23/2012
Dear Barb, Megan & Andrew,
We were so sorry to hear about Dan. What a wonderful person he was for young people! He was a great coach for both Jeff & John Panek. When John would call me for a ride home from the coaches office, Dan would always say "Tell her thank you & I love you, Mom" & John would do that. You have our sympathy.
Jan and John Malinka
06/22/2012
We have greatly enjoyed reading the tributes to Dan, particularly from his students. It has been said that you can't get rich teaching, but Dan McClannahan proved them wrong. By investing joyfully and wholeheartedly in people, Dad enriched a generation and himself in the process. This world needs more men like him.
Our love and condolences to Barbara and all the family.
Randy Hansen
06/20/2012
It was a great time to part of the student body at Morningside College in the late 60's & early 70's. Fond memories and wonderful alumni reconnections over the past few years. Dan will be missed by the Morningside College Family
Randy Hansen '72
Director of Alumni Relations
Morningside College
Janet Myer
06/19/2012
I remember Dan as a student at West Harrison High School in the sixties. It was my privilege to be one of his teachers. I am saddened to hear of his passing. I know he will be missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. As I read the accolades of others who are mourning his loss, I realize that he remained the gentleman he was as a young man in the class of '68 at West Harrison.
Janet Myer
Science Teacher
Mary Kay Matisheck
06/19/2012
I am very sorry to learn of Dan's untimely death. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Gina Grauer Frank
06/19/2012
I was saddened today to learn of Dan's passing as he was one of my favorite teachers in Cherokee way back in late 70's. He was such a gentle man and I was privileged to be taught by him. May God comfort your family and know he is pain free, in peace and in a much better place walking with Jesus.
Aaron Tubbs
06/18/2012
Coach McClannahan was a great coach, friend, and mentor. He motivated me to be better, work hard, and never give up. I continue practicing these lessons to this day. I will never forget playing football for the Humboldt Wildcats and more importantly for Coach McClannahan. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. He was one of the good guys.
Paula Reszel
06/18/2012
I had the pleasure of working with Dan at Hoover High School in Des Moines. Dan had a great sense of humor, dedication to his profession, and I was sorry to hear of his loss. I am so sorry for your loss and wish you peace and comfort as you move through the grieving process.
Travis Harvey '96
06/18/2012
Barb, Megan, and Andy. My close friend Ty Sleiter told me where I could come to share my condolences with you since I was unable to attend the funeral. After reading all of the great things on here I see what a huge impact coach had on so many people...I am no different. I am the player who Ty referenced who played all four years yet never started a varsity game. The rest of that story where coach told me "he liked the way I played" goes like this. Our senior year he pulled me aside early on and said that he wanted me to play running back for the 2nd team or more honestly the 'scout' team. I was pretty excited since I obviously wasnt a receiver because I couldnt catch a cold. I held no illusions of playing in a game but I didn't care about that. He told me that I could give the guys on the 1st team D some good looks because I wasnt afraid of hitting the hole hard and getting knocked on my butt by Sleiter and Harklau. He liked that after each play I jumped right up and ran back to the huddle. (as opposed to making some dramatic scene after getting tackled and getting up slowly)
Later that year coach Mac approached me and asked if I would like to play with the sophmores. (supposedly they didn't have any tailbacks, only three fullbacks. wink, wink.) The best was the way he approached me about doing it for the first time. He asked me in a way where I could tell that he thought I might be insulted. Can you imagine! He didnt want to hurt my feelings! Some of my best times were playing with Ross, Clay, and Nielson, I got to score touchdowns for goodness sakes! During a game at St. Edmond coach Mac told me how he liked the way I ran the football in that I tried to punish the tackler and hit him before he could hit me.
Those are a couple of priceless
memories that make me tear up even now. Besides being a great coach and teacher he had a way of lifting you up and seeing the best in everyone. He will be missed
Jane Lee Konfrst HHS '83
06/18/2012
My condolences to the McClannahan family. I remember the times I would walk down the block to babysit and always be met with a warm welcome from all. I also have good memories of social studies class and Dan teaching in a manner that made learning fun and memorable. Although large in statue, Dan will be remembered for his kind and caring personality. May God provide strength for each day and comfort in your memories.
Eric A Hofstad
06/18/2012
Barbara,
I am so sorry to hear about Dan's passing. I believe our last get together was up at Crane Lake for a fishing trip with our Dad's.
Lynn and I and all our family sends our condolences and prayers. May God be with you.
Love,
Eric and Lynn Hofstad
Joel Frost, Humboldt Teacher 1982-1986
06/18/2012
Barb, Megan & Andy
I am very saddened to learn of Dan's passing. I remember as a lst year teacher moving to Humboldt in 1982, Dan was one of the veteran teachers to step up and welcome the "new guy" to school. I have very good memories of Dan; card "food' club, pickup BB games,(where he set great picks) spotting for FB games,a golf game or 2, and visiting Dan and Randy, on their lunch break during their summer house painting gig. I know he will be missed. May God bless and keep watch over you Barb and all of your family during this most difficult time.