Daniel Philip Buck, 74, passed away on May 19, 2026. A visitation for friends & family will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Ankeny First United Methodist Church (206 SW Walnut St) from 3-4:00pm. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 at the same location. Following the service, the family will host a gathering in uptown Ankeny. More details to follow.
Dan was born on February 13, 1952, to Shirley and David "Phil" Buck in Marshalltown, Iowa. Dan graduated from West Marshall High School in 1970 and immediately attended Iowa State University, where he earned his degree in Journalism. Dan and his wife, Becky, started dating their sophomore year of high school. They were married in 1972 in Melbourne, Iowa. This last December, they celebrated 53 years of marriage.
After college, Dan began working for Lennox before starting his career with Pioneer Hi-Bred in 1978. In 1979, Dan and Becky settled in Ankeny, where they raised their family and built a life centered around love, community, and hard work. Dan worked for Pioneer Hi-Bred until he retired in 2014.
Dan and Becky were blessed with three children: Nathaniel in 1977, Mary in 1980, and Alexander in 1986. Family was always at the center of Dan’s life. He was selfless, generous, hardworking, and always carried a happy-go-lucky spirit. Known affectionately throughout the neighborhood as the “neighborhood grandpa,” Dan never missed an opportunity to help others or spend time with those he loved.
Being a grandpa was Dan’s greatest joy. Whether attending events, lending a helping hand, cheering from the sidelines, or simply being present, he was always there no matter the occasion or task. He loved gathering with family, gardening, and cheering on his beloved Iowa State Cyclones and the New York Yankees. A lifelong Cyclone fan, his love for Iowa State began in his youth and remained a constant throughout his life. Dan and Becky faithfully supported Iowa State athletics for decades, especially football, where tailgating and game days became cherished family traditions. Dan had been a season ticket holder for Iowa State football since his college years.
In retirement, Dan found joy working as an usher for nearly a decade at Wells Fargo Arena (now known as the Casey's Center) where he enjoyed plenty of concerts, events, and connecting with people. It was a perfect role for someone who truly loved life and being around others.
His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the family gatherings, traditions, and memories he treasured so dearly.
Dan is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca Buck; his children, Nate Buck, Mary (Nick) Podlesak, and Alex (Alexandra) Buck; and his beloved grandchildren, Cooper Buck, John Podlesak, Sadie Podlesak, Layla Podlesak, Janssen Buck, Rowen Buck, and Hollis Buck. He is also survived by his brothers, Tom (Ann) Buck, Bruce (Kathy) Buck, and Ron (Tammy) Buck; his sister-in-law, Juli Buck; and numerous nieces, nephews, "neighborhood grandkids" and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Phil, and his brother, Gary Buck.
