Daniel David Papich

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.

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