Danny "Dan" Luther O'Conner

Danny Luther O’Conner Sr, age 76, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2023 at his home in Des Moines surrounded by his family.

Dan was born March 10, 1947 in Des Moines, Iowa to Lloyd and Thelma O’Conner. He was born and raised on the southside of Des Moines and was a 1964 graduate of Lincoln High School. He married the love of his life, Linda, in 1965 and would have celebrated 58 years of marriage this month. The marriage produced five children, fourteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. The majority of his career was spent working as ammunition's manager at Camp Dodge until his retirement in 2009.

While Dan had many passions, his greatest love was for his wife and family. Together they had five children; Danny (Jan), Rachelle (Thad), Renee (Mike), Michael (Jenna) and Scott (Megan) along with 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren to whom he was affectionately known as "G-Pa." He could always be found in the stands watching his grandchildrens' various sporting activities.

He was an avid sports fan. Dan coached each of his children throughout their childhood, in addition to hundreds of south side youth, in both baseball and football over three decades. He served as President of Little All-American football league for 30 years and was instrumental in relocating the league to the southside of Des Moines. The game of baseball was also near and dear to his heart. After several decades of coaching little league baseball, he was inducted into the Fort Des Moines Little League Hall of Fame.

Most of all, Dan cherished his family, and they cherished him. His unique sense of humor and stories would entertain his grandchildren for hours. The grandchildren's first stop was always G-Pa's house to share their various successes and accomplishments. He and Linda enjoyed traveling with frequent trips to Okoboji, Branson and South Dakota. Dan was immensely proud of his Irish heritage which he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and Lloyd O'Conner, brothers Bobby, Billy, Pat and sister Vicki. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and brother, Jeff and his beloved dogs Rudy and Connor.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to noon with funeral services to begin at noon on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Hamilton's Southtown, 5400 SW 9th St., Des Moines. Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the ARL Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

Finally, Dan's family would like to thank Lisa at DaVita Kidney Care, Dr. Jay Rosenberger and nurse Jennifer for their kindness and loving care.

Condolences can be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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