Daniel David Papich
December 02, 2013
Daniel David Papich was born August 5, 1936 in Albia, Iowa to Elna G. (Lucas) and David E. Papich. They moved to Lovilia, IA where Danny was raised and went to Lovilia School, graduating from high school with the Class of 1954. The family belonged to St. Peter's Catholic Church in Lovilia where Danny developed his deep and profound faith.
Danny was a simple man of few words but when obliged to, could tell a story about the old days that was second to none. For him, a good talk, watching the sunset, fishing, sitting in a tree stand or mushroom hunting were life's treasured moments - next to his family. He had a family of friends at Suds on Army Post Road where he loved showing off his pool playing skills, especially the "last pocket - bank the 8", or just hanging out telling and listening to all the tall tales! When Danny made a friend, he made a friend for life. He had a compassionate heart and was always willing to give or help.
Danny worked at the Veteran's Hospital in Knoxville and then moved to Des Moines, IA in December 1961 and started working at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. He was with Firestone until he retired in 1995.
During this time, Danny met and married the girl of his dreams, Bette Rae Hannam, on April 18, 1964. They have four children, Diana Calhoun of Omaha, NE, Maria (Chip) Wittern of West Des Moines, IA, Dave (Sarah) Papich of Norwalk, IA and Tom (Keli) Papich of Waukee, IA; 10 grandchildren: Chase Calhoun, Mia, Trey, Cole and Blaise Wittern, Gage, Hadley and Jack Papich, Grace Papich and Baby Boy Papich (due anytime).
Danny was also a member of The Croatian Fraternal Lodge for 45 years taking great pride in his Croatian heritage and frequently speaking dialect of the language.
The grandchildren were an extreme source of pride for Danny. Each of the boys had an incredibly special and unique bond with their Grandpa. The girls would light up his smile in an instant as he was their hero. He has left each with an impression of unconditional love, laughter and faith that they will carry forever in their hearts. Danny loved family togetherness. He always taught us to "love one another”, to "live and learn", and "live within our means." We will be forever grateful for his words of wisdom.
Danny loved having the grandkids over to show his most current project. He loved gardening, picking and cracking the walnuts, sharing his latest hunting story or listening to their latest adventure.
Danny died on Monday, December 2, 2013 at 12:15 p.m. of complications from a stroke the previous week. His bedside was surrounded with the love and prayers of his wife, children and grandchildren.
Danny is survived by his wife Bette of 49 years; his four children and their spouses; 10 grandchildren; brother, Mick Papich; sisters, JoAnne Feldmann, Marlene (Bob) Terrell, Connie (Joe) Sinnott, and Mary Jo Papich; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Elna Papich; brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Lenore Papich; his grandparents, George and Anna (Mitrisin) Lucas, and Stanislav and Angelina (Polich) Papich.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Christ the King Catholic Church in Danny's name.
Visitation will be Friday, December 6, 2013 at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines from 5 to 8 p.m. with the Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th Street in Des Moines, Iowa. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery.
We would like to express our most sincere and heartfelt thank you to Mercy Hospital Neurological Critical Care Unit for their compassion and care during the eight days we kept vigil. Also to our family and friends for their love, prayers, food and support during this difficult time in our lives. May God bless each and every one of you.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Connie (Conner) and Lewis Darrah
12/07/2013
So sorry to hear of Danny's death and our condolences to all the family. Many memories of Danny in the high school years.
Mary Huffman
12/06/2013
So sorry for your families loss. You know he is out of pain and will be with you all for ever. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jim Barnett
12/06/2013
Although I didn't know him well, Danny always impressed me as the quiet "father figure" for the entire Papich Family. To know the family is to know why that alone made him a great man. Deepest sympathies from a friend of the "Peoria Papichs".
Joe and Collette Mahoney
12/06/2013
Please accept our deepest sympathy, and prayers, to Bette and Children.
Danny was a great and gentle guy.
Charles E. Terrell Jr
12/06/2013
To Bette and family, my thoughts and prayers for Dan, my very first best friend in life.
John & Darlene O'Brien
12/05/2013
Bette, there are no words to express our sorrow for you and the family. . You have our deepest sympathy. We will keep all in our prayers.
Patrick & Kathy Murphy
12/05/2013
We are very sorry to get the sad news that Danny has passed away. Our thoughts are with you and your family. We will not be able to attend either service as we are in Arizona.
Jill Babcock Ginder
12/05/2013
To the entire family, so sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers to all of you. GOD BLESS!
Jerry & RoseA Vestal
12/05/2013
Bette & Family--Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with Danny & your family. May you find strength in all our prayers & in the wonderful memories.
Ed & Cheryl Scieszinski
12/04/2013
Bette & Family, Our deepest sympathy to you all in the loss of your loved one!
Love and prayers!
Chris Marasco
12/04/2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Danny and his family. He will be missed. God Bless you all!
Cheri Guilford - Riebhoff
12/04/2013
Bette, Diana, Maria and Family~ I sure do have wonderful memories of your warm household and your dad's quiet and loving manner. My heart breaks for you all for his sudden absence. God Bless you and may Peace be with you all in the days ahead!
Dave and Lisa Hoffman
12/04/2013
MJ, Joanne, Marlene and Connie..we send our most sincere sympathies to you and your families...our love and prayers...know he is with family and friends that welcomed him.
Steve Spain & Family
12/04/2013
Danny, you were a beloved friend and neighbor. You will be forever missed. Until we meet again my Friend. Dovidenja & Love always!
Julie Papich Wooten
12/04/2013
I am so sorry for your loss my heart goes out to you guys. I my prayers are with your family.