On Monday September 21st, 2026, Daniel Joseph Sickerson passed away. His last days were spent surrounded by close family. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 30th,2026, from 5pm to 7pm at Ankeny Funeral Home on W 1st Street in Ankeny. Another visitation will be held on Thursday, October 1st, 2026, at 9:00am at St. Mary’s church in Elkhart, IA. The funeral mass will begin at 10:00am at the church. After the service, we will travel in a special procession to Cory Grove/Byers Cemetery for burial and military honors. After the burial, there will be a luncheon back at St. Mary’s church. All are welcome!
Daniel was born in Des Moines on February 21st, 1944, at Mercy hospital to parents Leo and Emma Sickerson. His family lived in Des Moines until they moved into the house his dad built with the help of his sons and his brother in 1948. Apart from his time in the Navy, Daniel lived here his whole life.
After high school, Daniel chose to enlist in the Navy rather than be drafted. When he successfully passed the tests, he became an Aircraft Mechanic. He worked on many different things and furthering his already immense mechanical knowledge. Eventually, he became an E3 Sergeant and a proud recipient of the Top Sailor Citation.
While in the Navy, he traveled to different bases across the US. He traveled to Memphis, TN, where in November of 1963, he got to see Air Force One, carrying President John F. Kennedy’s body land to refuel before continuing to Washington D.C. This experience was one of many stories Daniel shared with friends and family. He loved to tell stories and reminisce about the many adventures and accomplishments he had throughout his life. He was always ready with a story to tell.
Upon his return from the Navy, he went to work for Meredith Printing. He then went on to work at Firestone and became a member of Union 310. After spending 29 years working with them, he retired. In his free time, he collected and worked on his John Deere tractors, and anything and everything in the barn. This continued as one of his favorite things to do. He was an avid hunter and fisherman throughout his life as well. There was nothing he could not repair or make from scratch. He was a truly gifted mechanic, many times choosing to build something himself rather than buy it.
Daniel loved his family dearly. After his retirement, nearly all his time was spent with his family, including the many years he devoted to taking excellent care of his mother Emma. When help was needed, he was never one to say no; fixing vehicles, baling hay, and sharing his knowledge. Throughout his life Daniel, took great pride in his nephews, nieces, as well as his great-nieces and nephews, teaching and guiding them. He was a natural teacher, always explaining everything they were working on together and attending as many functions as he could.
There is truly not enough time to share how much he cared, helped, and showed up for those he cared about. Daniel will be remembered as truly kind, selfless, generous person who never hesitated to help someone when they needed it.
His memory will continue to live on in the knowledge, wisdom, and cherished memories he left with those close to him; including his brothers John and William; Sister-In-Law Linda; and so many nephews, nieces, and great-nieces, and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents Leo and Emma; his brother Michael; sister-in-law Patricia Sickerson; and Niece Kelle Sickerson. We take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with them.
