Danny A. Elder

Danny (Dan) Elder, of Columbus Junction, IA, passed away on Friday, August 10, 2018, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Iowa City, surrounded by his family.

Dan was born in Richland Center, WI on March 3, 1928, and lived in the Muscoda, WI area until he joined the Navy in 1946. After serving two years, he returned to Wisconsin and then reenlisted in 1951, for another four years, making him a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War.

He worked at Thatcher Plastics (Celon Company) in Muscatine, IA as a tool and die maker and retired in 1990.

Dan had numerous hobbies including knife making, gemology and rock collecting, crafting scale model steam engines, fishing, and everything related to the outdoors. He had a keen interest in learning how things worked and loved sharing those discoveries with everyone around him. Dan was known for his great sense of humor and his ability to make people laugh in any situation, even while he was in the hospital.

Dan and Rita (Coenen) Mathiot had six children: Lynn (Gary) Schurr, David Elder (deceased), Teresa (Alan) Winders, Ann Elder (deceased), Daniel Elder (Lori), and Joe Elder. He also had seven grandchildren: Tyler Winders, Danielle Feller, Zachary Elder, Alex (Tanner) Schuckenbrock, Blake Feller, Andrew Winders, and Ryley Elder, plus five step-grandchildren: Marie (Alex) Flores, David (McKinsey) Schurr, Neal (Heather) Schurr, Lanna (Luke) Niemann, and Jordan James and 20 great grandchildren.

Since all of Dan’s family was at hand at the time of his passing, a memorial celebration was held on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at his favorite restaurant, Los Palmas in Columbus Jct.

The family would like to extend their thanks to his doctor and friend Joseph Szot, the Blue Team staff at the VA Hospital, and the excellent nursing care provided – especially Bill Boyce. They would also like to send their love to Jake Shoppa and his father, Gary for all of their concern and care.

“Fair winds, dad…” Disperse.

Nichols Life Tribute Funeral and Cremation Services, Muscatine, was in care of Dan's family and arrangements.

(c)2018 Nichols Life Tribute Funeral and Cremation Services. All Rights Reserved.