Dan Backer
December 09, 2009
Dan was born on December 9, 1939, in Battle Creek, Michigan. He passed away suddenly on December 9, 2009.
Dan retired from Electrical Engineering and Equipment Company almost 10 years ago. He was a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tae-Kwon-Do and still taught at Farrells. Dan enjoyed training his dog, Jessie to be a service dog. He enjoyed working out, his cars and his grandson, and spending time with the staff and children at ChildServe.
He will be missed by his daughter, Brenda (Marty) Horton; his grandson, Nathan Thesing; his brother, David (Rita) Backer; his sister, Shirley (David) McKinney; his sister, Barb (Bud) Zeeks; mother-in-law, Thelma Thamke; and numerous family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Evelyn; his parents, Frank and Carol Backer; nephews, Billy and Danny Cain; and father-in-law, Leroy Thamke.
Memorial services will be held 10:00 am, Monday, December 14, 2009, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines.
In lieu of plants and flowers, please make a donation to ChildServe.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Tracy Gilge
12/17/2009
My thoughts and prayers are with Dan's family and especially his daughter Brenda and Nate. I worked with Evie for many years and came to know Dan thru Evie..
Tracy Gilge
Children and Families of Iowa-former employee
Jess Hicks and family
12/16/2009
I am terribly sad at the passing of Master Backer. He personafied what all of us should strive for as martial artists.
My condolences to his family and his Farrell's family.
When my daugther, Amanda, heard of his passing she said, "you mean, quick like a bunny, Backer?" Those of us that had so many classes will remember the way he snarled and growled in class and his never-ending desire to help.
Rest in peace, Master Backer.
Ruthann Jarrett
12/15/2009
Brenda, Nate, and Family
I was very sad to see of the death of Dan. I know you will all miss him terribly. My first thought was that he will be with his beloved Ev! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Ruthann
Adam, Sara, and Elliott Albright
12/14/2009
Nate, Brenda and family, we are all shocked and saddened to hear this news. We know how special he was to you all, and we're glad to have gotten to meet him. You're in our thoughts during this hard time, take care, the Albrights.
Peggy Gassberry-Jenkins
12/14/2009
Brenda, Nate and family I am so sorry to hear about your dad/granddad, please find peace in knowing that God is carrying you during this time and your friends are sedning up prayers requesting blessings, comfort and strength for you.
Blessings and peace to you.
Peggy
Andy Chung
12/14/2009
My condolences to the Backer family for their sudden loss. I was a former student of Mr. Backer at Farrells taekwando. I will always remember how he aspired me through his positive energy in the classroom which made the sessions enjoyable whether he was teaching or assisting with the classes. I do not know if there are words that can express your pain for his sudden departure, but these words may help to let you know that he had a positive impact on individuals such as myself during his life.
Gaye Scharingson
12/14/2009
I wanted to extend my sympathies to your family and friends. I came to know Dan approximately two years ago when I went to an agility fun match at Canine Craze. He was a very kind man, always asking if he could "pet my doggie" or give my doggie a treat. I also attended several agility trials and it was so much fun spending time with him. He would ask if he could walk the course with me since I knew what I was doing! It was so much fun to watch him run Jesse, cheering her on, as we all cheered for them. He and Jesse were a great team and he quickly caught on and they started earning ribbons for qualifying, which is no small feat. His passing will leave a large void in so many lives and while I didn't know him well, I will greatly miss him at agility. I know he will be there in spirit, cheering for everyone, as he always did. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
The Sosby's
12/13/2009
David, Rita and the rest of the Backer family:
We were saddened to hear of Dan's unexpected passing. We never got the pleasure of meeting Dan; however, we heard of the work that he did with ChildServe and about his wonderful dog Jesse. Our hearts go out to all of you during this time.
Love
Craig, Suzie, Gracin, Jersey & Buster
Tom & Linda Ladd
12/13/2009
Our condolences to the family and friends of Dan. Although I have only known Dan for about a year and a half, I enjoyed the times I was around him. He had a unique sense of humor and we enjoyed talking about cars and hotrodding. We will miss Dan!
Beth Ann Ziebarth
12/13/2009
I am so sorry for your loss. Dan and I worked together at ChildServe in the Dog Therapy group. He was a very kind person who gave much. I always enjoyed talking with him, he had many interesting stories to tell. When we first began working together I went to his house in Runnels and we let the dogs play in the yard and pond, I was very impressed by all that he had done. He also copied me on the weekly emails he sent out, I enjoyed reading them and then talking to him about the content. In fact I enjoyed them so much that I saved every one in a folder made especially for him. His laughter and fun loving spirit will be missed. I am grateful to have known him for the short time I did.
-Beth Ann and Sofie
PS If you would like copies of the emails I save let me know and I will forward them to you. bethannziebarth@yahoo.com
Jim and Ashley Miller
12/13/2009
Our sympathy to the family and friends of Dan. We became neighbors after my husband and I built our house in 2006 down the road from Dan. He was always so kind and happy. We always stopped to say hi and have a few laughs with him if we saw him out while we were on walks or 4-wheeler rides. Dan was always so nice and gentle with our two young children; he had a true grandpa heart. You will be dearly missed.
Lisa Raabe & family
12/13/2009
Mr. Backer has been such an incredible influence in our lives for over a decade now. His kind spirit and his never ending desire to help people will not be forgotten, nor will his growls! He was a wonderful, interesting, funny, generous, and inspiring man. Mr. Backer's shoes simply can't be filled. Farrell's will never be the same.
Mary Hood
12/13/2009
I only recently came to know Dan and Jessie through class at Canine Craze and the agility shows I attended with my Sheltie, Abby. What a positive and personable spirit. We will miss him in agility class. My sympathy to Dan's family and friends for what must be a huge loss.
Michele & Jim Walser
12/13/2009
Uncle Dan was a consistantly wonderful man and influenced those around him. His laughter and wonderful sense of humor will be missed.
Aunt Ev will enjoy being around him again and will share her special smile with him face - to - face.
Blessings upon Brenda, Marty, Nate and all the other family members and friends.
You will be missed, Uncle Dan!
Shawna & Dominic Meyer
12/13/2009
Mr. Baker - you always had such a positive spirit and were such a great example of living life to the fullest. The halls of Farrells will always echo with your laughter I'm sure. You have touched so many lives and will be greatly missed. Gods speed my friend.