McDanel, Richard Owen (1925-2015)

MCDANEL, COTTLE, MILLER, LUNDQUIST, KILMEIER, MOLGAARD, ADAMS

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 11/30/2015 at 17:10:16

Dick McDanel
July 25, 1925 - November 8, 2015

Alta, Iowa

Dick McDanel, age 90, of Alta, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2015, at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center of Storm Lake.

Richard Owen McDanel was born to Archibald and Mabel (Cottle) McDanel on July 25, 1925. He grew up around Rossie, Iowa, and graduated from Rossie High School in 1943. Dick spent two years in the Army and was stationed in the Pacific during World War II.

Honorably discharged on his 21st birthday, Dick married Mary Charlyn Miller a month later on August 22, 1946. To their union, four children were born, Mike, Kandi, Joel, and Kelli. Later, two girls from New Jersey came to Buena Vista College and joined their brood, Lynn Lundquist and Ellen Kilmeier. Janice Molgaard called him dad too.

An avid horseman, Dick drove, trained, and shod them for over sixty years. Active in the VFW, he served as commander for two years; a member of the Masonic Lodge, he served as Worshipful Master; and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, he was a three times Past Patron. Moreover, a member of the United States Trotting Association, Iowa Harness Horse Association, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. During his lifetime, Dick wore many hats, but his favorite was his racing helmet.

Preceded in death by his wife, Charlyn, his parents, and his sister, Elsie (McDanel) Adams, Dick is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as well as by several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2015, at 10:00 AM at the Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Alta with Lee Molgaard officiating. Burial will follow at the Woodlawn Cemetery of Alta with military rites conducted by the Alta VFW Post #6172. Visitation will be on Friday, November 13, 2015, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM with a Masonic Service at 7:30 PM at the Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Alta.

Copyright © 2015, Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Homes