Daniel Holmes passed away November 17th, 2023, in Carlisle Iowa. He had enjoyed some Earl Grey tea and took a nap just that morning.
He was born October 31st, 1974. Yes, he was a Halloween baby and it suited him. Much of his life was in the Des Moines metro area, his birthplace. Not being much for school he found work in the moving industry in his late twenties. This would be his most prosperous time for several years.
During these years he became Uncle Dan to his nephew Jacek. Jacek looked up to Uncle Dan and Dan loved him. They spent many nights wrestling and playing when visiting and he always wanted to do stuff with him outside like fishing, hiking, or on some very fun occasions sledding down the steep hills over large lumps nearly or not so nearly falling off. Jacek loved it.
When meeting Brandon, his second nephew for the first time, he walked right up and said “Hi I’m Uncle Dan” He really loved family and really loved his nephews. On one occasion with both nephews and his brother they visited the Omaha zoo. Not having a phone of his own he kept saying “Jacek get a picture of that leopard! Brandon get a picture of that tiger!” “He is so pretty!”
He had such a childlike appreciation for the beauty of the animals and such excitement to see them.
Dan was a fiercely loyal uncle, brother, and son. Once you were family or friend to him you usually stayed that way. It took a lot for him to not stand with you once you were with him in his inner circle. If you needed help and it was something he could help with he was there. Many occasions of moving friends and family and many occasions of helping with auto repairs. He always referred to himself as a backyard mechanic and loved to work on cars and on one notable instance he came to the aid of his nephew Brandon. It was a cold day and Brandon had locked himself out of his car at school with it running. Brandon later said he got in trouble but didn’t care because he got to spend the day with his uncle Dan.
He may have been seen as a simple man in his work life, but this belied a cunning intelligence and sharp wit. Only his inner turmoil and lack of education held back his full potential. Even so over time he was able to obtain a certain hard lived wisdom which he would share with those he loved. One example of his wit and humor would be when as an adult discovering he was born with only one kidney he called his mother and asked “I just want to know how much did you get for my other kidney?”
While he seemed a boisterous man full of bluster at times it was easy to witness his true heartfelt feelings when he took his cat, Kee Kee, out for a walk on a leash for the first time. He loved his pets and all animals including many strays he found throughout his life.
His other loves included working on his car, grilling, swimming and fishing. He was a good cook and had the adage when cooking dinner. “You got to have a green.” Usually with the biweekly Graziano's sausage sandwiches and usually the green was green beans. Unless he made peas for his brother. He particularly enjoyed fishing and could spend the day out on the water just enjoying being outside.
Daniel is survived by his mother, SueEllen Johnson; Brother, Christian Holmes; Nephews Jacek Holmes and Brandon Holmes.
He was preceded by his father, Richard Joseph Holmes; Uncle, Robbie Huffaker; Grandparents, Bobby Huffaker and Gene Huffaker.
