Daniel J. O'Donnell
November 25, 2012
Dan O’Donnell, Sr., 80, died Sunday, November 25, 2012, with family at his side, while at the Kavanagh House. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 28, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Parish Hall from 4-8 PM, with a Rosary Service at 7 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Thursday, November 29, at 10 AM, with burial to follow at Glendale Cemetery.
Dan was born December 24, 1931, in Elkhart, Iowa; he graduated from Dowling High School in 1949, where he earned the Aquinas Key, and then served honorably in the US Army from 1951-1953. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, and had been employed at Riekes Equipment for 35 years, retiring in 1997.
Dan married Delores (Daughenbaugh) in 1951, and they raised nine children in their sixty-one years of marriage. He had been inducted into the Fort Des Moines Little League Hall of Fame, and was a member of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick where he received a lifetime achievement award, and was the 2001 recipient of the Irishman of the Year. He is the patriarch of the O’Donnell & Friends Open which has raised money for local charities for nearly twenty years, and has spent a lifetime assisting those in need.
The family would like to extend special thanks to his oncologist, Dr. Steve Heddinger, Nurse Amy Bell, as well as Dr. Michael Mosley and Nurse LeAnn Bachelder of HCI, and to all the nurses and staff at the Kavanagh House. Their kindness and dedication has helped us through this very difficult journey.
Dan is survived by his wife Delores, and the following nine children and 28 grandchildren:,son Daniel, Jr. (Kris), with children, Ellen (Jesse) Ahrens, Ashley (John) Miller, and Ben (Amber); son James (Terrie),with children Mindy and Tiffany (Davin) Holmes; son Dennis (Teri) with children Michael, Bryan (Tonja), Katie, Aron,Reimers, and Alyson Reimers; son Mark (Tonya) with children Amanda (Evan) Jones, and Ryan (Carolyn) ; son John (Rhonda) with children Shannon, Sean, Shelby, and Sydney; daughter Mary Kay (Craig) Duede with children Erin (Kevin) Hixson, Matt, Megan, and Kelsey; daughter Mary Beth (Dave) Heddinger with children Sarah, Jacob, and Mary Jess; son Gary (Sheila) with children Stephanie (Cory) Benson, and Heather (Josh) Evans; son Tim (Angela) with children Bailey, Riley and,Kalley. In addition, he is survived by,fifteen great grandchildren, with two additional on the way, as well as his sister Linda (Tom) Glas of Alcester, South Dakota, sister-in-law Carolyn O’Donnell of Tigard, Oregon, numerous nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alphonsus, II, and Roberta, a brother, Alphonsus III, and his sister Patricia Marshall.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
David Foreman
12/02/2012
I am truly sorry for your loss. Dan was one of the best men I knew. I wish I would have been in town to pay my respects. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Bob and Jan Kuramoto
12/01/2012
O'Donnell Family,
We participated in the O'Donnell Family Golf Outing for the first time last summer and left in awe of your entire family - especially Dan. Please know that the impact of generous giving has touched us and we will "pay it forward" because of all of you. We pray that wonderful memories will sustain you in your sadness.
Larry and Barbara Willis
11/29/2012
Dee and family,
Were truly sorry for your loss. Dan was such a good guy and a steadfast part of the old neighborhood. I know Dad always had the highest respect for him. He was a courageous man and will be remembered and missed by many.
Mark & Mary Whitfield
11/29/2012
Jim, Denny & Family,
The Whitfield family was saddened to hear of the loss of your father. The legacy he created shines in each one of you. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time
Al & Ann Shaffer
11/29/2012
Dan, Dennis and Jim, so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Sara Collier
11/29/2012
Dee and Family, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dear husband, and Father. May the Good Lord wrap his arms around you and give you great comfort. Love, Prayers, and Hugs to all.
MARY (HURLEY)MANGRA
11/29/2012
To the O'Donnell family. I am sorry for your loss of such a great father and husband. My thoughts are with all of you.
Dave Dearinger
11/29/2012
Jim & Denny-My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.
Evonne Burns Johnson
11/29/2012
I am sorry for all of your loss.
Dawn Heller
11/28/2012
Dee and family!! I am so so sorry for your loss. Dan was a great man. I always enjoyed talking to him at the various gatherings. You all have a wonderful family and you will all be good support for each other at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you.
Roger & Deb Tabor
11/28/2012
Dee and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Dan was a wonderful man. I have great memories living next door to your family, and some from vacations we shared. I feel horrible not being able to be there to support you, as your family has always been there for my family. You were wonderfully supportive when my parents passed. Heaven has gained yet another wonderful angel. Much love, hugs and prayers for each and every one of you.
Patti Marshall-Bishop
11/28/2012
Uncle Dan was a huge part of my family's life growing up. He was such a kind and gentle soul. Our Mother always looked up to and adored her big brother Dan.
I will never forget the kindness that your entire family showed ours during the passing of our mother and father.
Much love to you all.
Rick Smith
11/28/2012
Although I only knew Dan for a few years, it became obvious that his core values were faith, family and Christian charity. In living his values, he was not only a shining example to his family, but to everyone he came in contact with.
In my sadness at his passing, I am comforted in believing he was welcomed with open arms by Christ and told, "Well done, good and faithful servant".
Roberta (Bobbie) Nelson
11/28/2012
To the family of Dan my sympathy and prayers are with you at this sad time After my husband died Dan was always available to help me with my house hold problems. He was an honest and great person, he will truly be missed by his friends he helped so much . He is no longer in pain and is in heaven with our Father above.
Mick & Lori Ellis
11/28/2012
We would like to express our deepest sympathy on your loss.
Daniel was not only a good customer of ours, but a friend.