Dan R. Shirkey was born Aug. 3, 1957, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the son of Dale and Marolyn (Conrad) Shirkey. He graduated from Keota High School, Lincoln Technical Institute, and received a degree in computer science from the University of Iowa. On Oct. 4, 1975, Dan was united in marriage to Donna Greenfield in Fairfield.
Dan farmed and worked as an environmental services shift manager at Washington County Hospital, University of Iowa, and the Riverside Casino. He was a past member of the West Chester Lions Club and 4 Rivers Coon Hunters Association.
Dan loved his grandchildren, seeing them always brought a smile to his face. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He enjoyed doing yard work, and always thought that a well-kept yard meant someone cared about it. He was a patient teacher and believed everyone deserves a second chance.
Dan passed away on Monday, May 11, 2020, at his home in rural Wellman, at the age of 62 years, after a short battle with cancer.
Dan is survived by his wife Donna; two sons: DJ (Traci) Shirkey of Keota and Jerry (Rosanna) Shirkey of Kalona; three grandchildren: Kaylee Shirkey, Dawson Stutzman, Jagger Shirkey; four sisters: Sherry (Glenn) Ortisky of Salt Lake City, Utah, Anna Mae Story of Winfield, Lora (Jim) Fisher of Sigourney, and Mary Bishop of Richland; and a brother: Mike (Bobbie) Shirkey of Killen, Ala.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, his father and mother-in-law: Daniel and Maxine Greenfield; and a brother-in-law: Daniel Greenfield.
A private family service was held Friday, May 15, 2020, at the Powell Funeral Home in Keota. Burial was in the Wellman Cemetery.
A general memorial fund has been established to be distributed as per Dan’s wishes.
