Daniel B. Bagley

Dan was born in Woburn, MA on April 5, 1949, to Thomas and Margaret Bagley.  He had 6 siblings.  Dan attended Boys Town in Omaha, NE from 1965-1968, after which he earned his Bachelor’s degree from Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire.  Dan served in the United States Army from 1975-1979 and was stationed in Germany.  While in the Army, Dan achieved a Master’s degree from Ball State University in Indiana.  

Dan moved to Omaha, NE, where he met his wife, Cathy.   Cathy and Dan were married on September 5, 1981, and had two children, Heather and Danny.  Dan worked primarily as a locomotive engineer for Union Pacific Railroad, which took the family to Boone and Ogden, IA, and Douglas, WY, before settling in Nevada, IA.

After his retirement, Dan began sharing his love for storytelling. He was always excited to listen to others tell stories and developed many of his own. He was a member of Two Rivers Story Spinners and loved attending festivals. He always made time to enjoy local sites along the way - churches, aquariums, and art galleries were a must. When Dan wasn't telling stories, you could find him at the Nevada Public Library or on a three-hour Walmart trip.  He enjoyed his weekly luncheons with friends from church as well as bingo calling at the American Legion. He dearly loved his family, friends, rescue dogs, and the fellowship and community found in various organizations. He was always willing to help others and was often the voice of calm in the storm.  

Dan was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Margaret Bagley; brothers, Stephen & Tom; mother-in-law, Betty Meier, and aunt, June Carelli.  Dan is survived by his wife, Cathy; daughter, Heather (Andrew Batovsky); son, Danny; daughter-in-law, Anna; grandsons, Mike and Nate; brother, Bill (Theresa), brother, Bernie (Randy), brother, Charlie (Michele), sister, Margie, sister-in-law, Cheryl Fuccillo, brothers-in-law, Joe Meier, Walter (Linda) Meier, Ben (Cheryl) Meier, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Steven’s Memorial Chapel (607 28th St, Ames, IA).  Family will be present at 10:00 to receive friends.  Directly after the service, we invite everyone to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (2524 Hoover Ave, Ames) for lunch and fellowship.  We know Dan would love us all to gather to share stories, laughs, and a good meal!  All are welcome and we hope you join us.  A private burial with full military rites will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Nevada, IA. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family will be used to honor Dan's favorite causes and charities. 

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left at www.stevensmemorialchapel.com for the Bagley family.