Dan Eugene Elwood was born on September 21, 1948 to Fred and Bernice “Bea” Elwood in Estherville, IA. Dan passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 8, 2018 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 70.

He attended and graduated from Estherville High School. He attended Iowa Lakes Community College and then transferred to Central College in Pella, IA where he graduated. He was united in marriage to Susan Rouse on February 7, 1970 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Estherville, IA. The couple had 2 children, Amy and Megan. The couple later divorced.

After college, Dan moved to Graettinger, IA and then to Sargent Bluff, IA for a short time. He eventually moved to Spring Valley, MN where he settled and raised his family. He would later move to Madison, MN for work. Dan found his way back to Estherville, IA where he has made his home for the last 18 years.

Dan was a city administrator for 20 years and 15 of those years were in Spring Valley, MN. He was also a past board member of League of MN Cities and past president of MN Association of Small Cities. After his retirement from city administration and his move back to Estherville, IA, he continued to do some consulting work for small cities in Minnesota. He then went to work at Forest Ridge Youth Services in Estherville, IA for a few years before he fully retired. Dan enjoyed his work at Forest Ridge and found joy in talking to and helping the young girls at the facility.

Dan had a big heart and was a huge animal lover, especially his dogs. He enjoyed spending time outdoors boating, hunting, riding his motorcycle, driving his corvette, and watching wildlife. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Dan enjoyed telling jokes and was an avid storyteller. He always enjoyed watching football and Iowa Hawkeye basketball. He loved watching his girls’ sporting events when they were younger and always wanted to help out by being the first base coach for softball or the line judge for volleyball games. He enjoyed helping and teaching whenever he could.

Dan is survived by his daughters, Amy (Ron) Koebke, Megan (John) Struthers; grandchildren Cole, Alyssa, Haley and Justin; sister Dee (Gary) Spillman; niece Danette (Chris) Demann, nephew David (Robyn) Spillman; great niece and nephews Samantha, Jacob and Travis; special friend Susie Jacobson and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Bea Elwood and infant brother Fred Jr.

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