Daniel Byrne
Daniel Byrne
Daniel Byrne
December 29, 1931 – December 31, 2012
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 81
Loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather
Daniel Lambert Byrne was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on December 29th, 1931. His soul ascended into everlasting life with God in Heaven on our New Year’s Eve, December 31st, 2012. His middle name was given after his doctor delivered him in spite of difficulties that resulted in life-long asthma. He graduated from Des Moines Technical High School with the class of 1950. He earned his B.A. in Art and his M.A. in Commercial Art from Drake University. He taught in Winfield, Mt. Union, Columbus Junction, Webster City, and Blakesburg; before following the advice of his childhood babysitter and moving to San Bernardino, California. There, he worked as a display manager for Sears, until he retired. He met his future wife, Mary, while strolling through the University of Iowa Library, where they walked together talking, and all about campus, until morning; on December 27, 1958, Dan and Mary were married in What Cheer, Iowa. Dan loved Mary more than life and wasn’t shy to express it. His first son, Danny, was born on December 19th, 1959. Danny was followed by Tom, Matt, Susan, and Cathy. He was fond of exaggerating while making compliments and bragging to others about his kin. He was a fanatic in his adoration, and his values were grounded in family history. Dan was an artist and wood carver. He carved animal figurines and built several tables, picture frames, stools, and boxes that hold our old photographs of him now. He loved reading and collected several books. Dan, in spite of physical deficiencies, lived a long and rewarding life, one full of vacations, coffee, warm houses, and friends and family who love him regardless. He loved St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was a proud member of Knights of Columbus; 3rd and 4th degree. He was a sponsor in many Christian organizations to help children in impoverished countries. In Oskaloosa, he enjoyed doing volunteer work for the hospital and public library. He enjoyed camping with his sons when they were involved together in boy scouts. He professed his constant love for Mary, for his granddaughter, for his friends and family, until he could no longer speak.
His family includes his wife of over 54 years Mary Byrne of Oskaloosa; five children, Susan (& Michael) Walker of What Cheer, Daniel (& Dawn) Byrne of Walnut, California, Tom Byrne of Anaheim California, Matthew Byrne of Corona, California, and Catherine Daliposo of What Cheer; three grandchildren, Kenny Daliposo, Lyanna Templeton, and Anastasia Byrne; and two great grandchildren, Liam Graves and Camill Templeton. He is waiting on them with the stars in heaven.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Mass will be held Friday, January 4, 2013, at 10 a.m. in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oskaloosa with Revered Jeffry Belger officiating. As was Dan’s wish his body has been cremated and burial of the cremated remains will be at a later date. Visitation will begin Thursday morning after 10 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa. A Rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. on Thursday and visitation with the family present will follow until 7 p.m. At 7 p.m. there will be a Christian Vigil Service at the funeral chapel.
