Daniel E. Driscoll

Daniel E. Driscoll, 81, of Charlotte, Iowa, formerly of Preston, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, December 14, at The Alverno in Clinton.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19th, at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Preston. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Preston Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Preston Fire Department.

Dan was born on April 2, 1944, in San Francisco, California, to Leo and Marjorie (Neumann) Driscoll. The oldest of ten children he grew up in Preston, attending Preston Schools and graduating with the Class of 1962. In high school Dan was known as quite the athlete; though short in stature, he was fast on his feet, excelling in both basketball and baseball. His love for competition continued throughout his life, playing men’s league fast-pitch softball well into his later years.

On November 6, 1964, Dan married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Bruse. Together they celebrated 36 years of marriage and raised four daughters until Sharon’s passing in 2000. Dan was a fantastic "Girl Dad," a fact his daughters can attest to fondly. He commanded respect and could clear a room—even the family’s single bathroom—simply by clearing his throat. He was a man full of advice and possessed a home remedy for any illness, believing firmly that either Vicks or Bengay could cure just about anything.

Dan worked various jobs over the years to support his family. He began his career in masonry and concrete, helping to build the local high school. Later, he worked in factories and drove truck for ADM in Clinton. He was also a dedicated member of the community, serving as a volunteer fireman in Preston for many years.

Later in life, Dan found love again when he met Phyllis Stoecker at a place they both cherished: the Preston Valley Golf Course. They hit it off immediately, and the rest was history. Dan and Phyllis married and moved to Charlotte, where they lived for many years. They enjoyed "snowbirding" in Arizona and looked forward to annual family trips to Lake Thunderhead in Missouri, where both the Driscoll and Stoecker families vacationed together.

A man who needed to stay busy, Dan filled his free time with golf, bowling, puzzles, playing cards, and board games like Sequence and Farkle. He was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Chicago Cubs, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and the Chicago Bears. For many years, he also enjoyed deer hunting.

Dan never came back to his hometown without "Putting the Gut", taking a slow drive through downtown Preston to see what was going on. He was known to his close friends by the nickname "Spaniel" (origins unknown) and was beloved for his sense of humor. He could be silly, a little sarcastic, and had a treasure trove of handy sayings, such as "Nice day if it don't rain," or "Just Peachy."

Above all, Dan loved his family. He was a baby whisperer who could put any crying infant to sleep with the patented "Dad Baby Bounce." His favorite thing in the world was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Dan will be dearly missed by his wife, Phyllis Driscoll of Camanche, IA; four daughters, Patty (Rob) Heller of Marshfield, WI, Pam (Joel) Bormann of Bellevue, IA, Paula (Dan) Steines of Maquoketa, IA, and Peggy (Eric) Weber of Preston; three stepsons, Brian (Heather) Stoecker of Charlotte, Brad Stoecker of Hypoluxo, FL, and Mike Stoecker of Davenport, IA; 10 grandchildren, Max Heller, Riley Heller, Amy (Eric) Tietjens, Nate (Courtney) Whitmore, Drake (Jessica Juergens) Reuter, Bailey Reuter, Tyler Steines, Jessen Weber, Austin Weber, and Ethan Weber; two step-grandchildren, Tevin (Kelsie) Stoecker and Morgan Stoecker; six great-grandchildren, Thatcher, Brenham, Leighton, Nolan, Parker, and Willow; and two step-great-grandchildren, Wrenley and Scottie.

He is also survived by eight siblings, Tom (Shirley) Driscoll, Gary (Ruth) Driscoll, Allen (Debra) Driscoll, Susan (Jack) Kuhlman, Judy McCutcheon, Paul (Candy) Driscoll, Larry (Karen) Driscoll, and David (Marcie) Driscoll; two sisters-in-law, Julie Bruse and Donna Schoolman; and brother-in-law, Dale (Nancy) Schoolman.

Dan is preceded in death by his first wife, Sharon; his infant daughter, Penny; his parents, Leo and Marjorie; his brother, Ronald; and his brother-in-law, Dwaine McCutcheon.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Addington Place, The Alverno, and Compassus of Davenport for their compassionate care.