Dick Mcdanel

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 in WWII and was honorably discharged on his 21st Birthday.

Dick was united in marriage to Mary Charlyn Miller on August 22, 1946. To this union four children were born, Mike, Kandi, Joel, and Kelli. Two girls from New Jersey came to Buena Vista College and joined the brood, Lynn Lundquist and Ellen Kilmeier. Janice Molgaard called him dad too.

Dick was an avid horseman, driving, training, and shoeing for over 60 years. He was active in the VFW being commander for two years. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge and was Worshipful Master, he was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Past Patron three times. He was a member of the USTA, Iowa Harness Horse Association and he was a Hall of Fame Inductee.

He was 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 several nieces and nephews.

Dick wore many hats in his lifetime, but his favorite was his racing helmet.